Conservationists in central China rescues stranded porpoise through 16-hour effort

Rescuers in the central Chinese city of Yichang saved a Yangtze finless porpoise that was stranded in shallow water and freed it back into the river on Thursday through 16-hour efforts.

The stranded porpoise was found in the Zhijiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, 26 kilometers from the estuary, while the endangered species is believed to live in deep water.

The Yangtze finless porpoise is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. In 2021, China classified the spices as under national Grade-I conservation.

It has been speculated that the porpoise may have swum from the Yangtze's mainstream to its tributaries as the water level rose during the flood season, but as the water level dropped, it may have encountered dangers in its migration.

"As water levels continue to decline, the porpoise may be affected by a lack of resources, including changes in water quality, in a relatively small area of water," said Mei Zhigang, associate researcher with the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

A rescue team composed of local authorities and residents began work on Wednesday night, setting up sections of floating nets and narrowing the circles.

After the porpoise was captured and brought to shore, researchers kept the porpoise's skin moist by watering it and covering it with wet towels, and checked its health immediately.

"According to the measurement results, it is a sub-adult male porpoise, about two years old. In terms of appearance, it's a strong looking individual, with all kinds of indicators being normal, no scars, very energetic, which means it's in a very healthy condition," said Mei.

The creature was released into the mainstream Yangtze River on Thursday afternoon after passing the health check.

According to the 2022 comprehensive surveys on the species, there were 1,249 finless porpoises in the Yangtze, which marks a significant rebound from 2017 when the figure stood at only 1,012, only half the number of giant pandas.

Conservationists in central China rescues stranded porpoise through 16-hour effort

Dazzling lantern displays are being staged in Kunming City in southwest China's Yunnan Province and in China's capital city Beijing during the Spring Festival holiday, bringing festive joy to residents and tourists alike.

The Spring Festival, the most important festival in China, fell on Jan. 29 this year, with an eight-day public holiday running from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4.

At Kunming's Daguan Pavilion, a lantern show has captivated visitors with its vibrant lights, intricate designs and lively folk performances.

The lanterns displayed at Daguan Pavilion are filled with typical Yunnan elements, featuring iconic animals from the region, such as elephants and peacocks.

Visitors can also indulge in local delicacies at nighttime food stands. The stunning lanterns and tempting snacks attracted nearly 60,000 visitors to Daguan Pavilion during the first five days of the Chinese New Year.

A lantern fair is also lighting up the night at the Beijing Garden Expo Park in China's capital city.

Covering an area of more than 500 hectares, the lantern fair is showcasing over 10,000 Zigong lanterns, crafted by skilled lantern makers using intangible cultural heritage techniques.

Particularly eye-catching are the lanterns in the Chinese Pavilion which showcase architecture, local animals, and flowers from across the country. In the Garden of Beijing, lanterns in the shape of Peking Opera figures, swifts, and chrysanthemums are on display, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese capital.

The expo park is also staging immersive light shows to wow visitors along with a drone light show where 600 drones form images and characters including "Happy Chinese New Year".

In addition to the lanterns and light shows, visitors can also enjoy traditional folk art performances, including dragon and lion dances, to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the festival.

The lantern fair at the Beijing Garden Expo Park runs till March 15.

Colorful lanterns light up night in Kunming, Beijing