In recent years, Chongqing has intensified ecological protection, and rare and endangered wild animals have frequently appeared in various places. Sheltering and rescuing wild animals has become increasingly important as a response to that.

Currently, Chongqing has six municipal-level institutions for sheltering and rescuing terrestrial wild animals. Besides, some temporary rescue stations are affiliated with local forestry bureaus in districts and counties, rescue stations based on nature reserves, and social rescue institutions. They play a vital role in rescuing terrestrial wild animals, providing a "sanctuary" for injured land wildlife.

Yet, when sheltering and rescuing wild animals, Chongqing is still challenged by insufficient professionals, funds, and government-run rescue institutions. Therefore, under the guidance of relevant policies, regions have devoted themselves to establishing new joint protection modes that integrate governments with social organizations. As a result, more wild animals have received timely and effective rescue.

A system of sheltering and rescue by region and species

As the largest municipal-level wild animal rescue station in the city proper of Chongqing, Chongqing Zoo receives more than 3,000 calls for help every year. Last year alone, it rescued more than 200 wild animals of over 70 species. The majority of wild animals were sent to the rescue station because they were injured, ill, or hungry. After simple treatment, they generally survived in the wild and returned to nature," said Yang Qi.

For example, in February 2022, Chongqing Zoo rescued a Chinese merganser injured during migration. "At that time, the wound on its chest was infected, and some tissues were necrotic, which urgently needed treatment," Yang recalled that after nearly two hours of emergency surgery, the Chinese merganser was finally out of danger. It was the first animal of its kind that was saved and released by Chongqing.

Chongqing has set up four government-run institutions for sheltering and rescuing terrestrial wildlife, including Chongqing Zoo, Yongchuan Locajoy, Wanzhou Xishan Zoo, and Chongqing Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation on Mount Jinfo. In addition, it houses two private-run animal sheltering and rescue institutions, namely Chongqing Crocodile Center in Yubei District and Shuosi Primate Breeding Company based in Hechuan District.

"These institutions serve the city proper, southeast and northeast parts of Chongqing, and other regions, forming a citywide terrestrial wild animal sheltering and rescue system, which features species-based rescue," said Wu Jing.

Establishing rescue stations

In February 2022, farmers in Yunyang found a wild animal injured by farm tools. The local forestry department identified it as a Chinese forest musk deer, a terrestrial wild animal under the first level of state protection. They immediately called the Chongqing Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation for wild animal rescue.

Why did they ask Nanchuan for help to rescue this injured forest musk found in Yunyang? Due to limited funds, Yunyang lacks wild animal rescue professionals, and the county's forestry bureau can only deal with injured animals. "My department has four staff members in total, but none of us majored in veterinary medicine," said Chen Hang from the Protection Department of Yunyang County Forestry Bureau, who participated in the rescue of the Chinese forest musk deer. When the animal was found, its front leg had been fractured. They did not dare to rescue it without guidance because they lacked professional knowledge.

"Although we have set up six municipal-level institutions for sheltering and rescuing terrestrial wild animals to serve different regions and species, there are still some practical problems." Wu Jing explained that some mountains and forests are remote and inaccessible, and the golden time might have run out when rescuers arrived. In addition, limited by the workforce and financial resources, these municipal-level institutions must understand under which protection level this animal is and determine whether it is worthwhile to rescue it after receiving the call for help. Not all wild animals can be rescued comprehensively.

As early as 2019, the Chongqing Forestry Bureau standardized the animal shelter and rescue process, animal resettlement, and archives management. While setting up six municipal-level institutions for sheltering and rescuing terrestrial wild animals also encouraged districts and counties to build wild animal rescue stations and professional rescue teams.

"Despite their cuteness, taking care of these animals is tiresome." Working in Jiangjin Simian Mountain National Scenic Area, Zhang Chao has such a sweet "burden." He is mainly engaged in the monitoring of epidemic origins and diseases of wild animals. Since the district-level rugged animal rescue station became an institution affiliated with the Simian Mountain Management Committee in 2020, Zhang Chao often treats injured animals when patrolling the mountain.

The Management Committee is close to town, and the reserved observation area can accommodate three to four small animals. The station does not employ full-time breeders for financial reasons. Zhang Chao and his colleagues are responsible for animal feeding, cage cleaning, and wound care. "Small animals cannot be left alone for even one day and must be taken care of on weekends and holidays." Thus, Zhang Chao moved to Simian Mountain.

Zhao Chao is not the only one nagged by such problems. Most districts and counties in Chongqing set up wild animal rescue stations under local forestry departments or rely on nature reserves and scenic spots in their jurisdictions to shelter and rescue wild animals. However, these rescue stations face problems concerning funds, workforce, and sites.

The "governments + social organizations" protection mode

"It is not enough for government agencies to rescue wild animals, which is a social public welfare undertaking." Wu Jing believes that to meet further the needs of sheltering and rescuing wild animals, Chongqing should explore the joint protection modes of "governments + non-governmental organizations" and "government agencies + volunteers" and establish a more diverse system.

Jinling Zoo, located in Mexin Wine Town in Fuling, is the only non-governmental wild animal rescue organization authorized by the forestry department. The zoo is built on the hillside with lush vegetation. In a glass breeding room, lively animals such as owls, rock eagle owls, and badgers jumped up and down in their respective cages.

"With the introduction of non-governmental forces, the shelter and rescue of wild animals have become more professional." The relevant person in charge of the Fuling District Forestry Bureau said. In the past, when they found injured or sick wild animals, they could only bandage them up and disinfect them or send them to nearby Yongchuan Locajoy. Now, the zoo's professional veterinary team can treat most injuries on the spot. The zookeepers can adjust the feeding scheme according to the health condition of the animals to help them recover as soon as possible.

The participation of non-governmental organizations in wildlife rescue has raised higher requirements for the supervision of relevant government departments. "What we are most concerned about is that some non-governmental organizations profit from wildlife rescue, or even engage in illegal trade and trafficking of wildlife under the guise of rescue." Wu Jing said that enhancing forestry law enforcement is an effective way to strengthen supervision. They will urge non-governmental organizations to keep detailed records of who brought each animal, how it was injured, and where it went after treatment to make rescue work more transparent.