Chongqing - In Chongqing Andover Ocean Park, the dedicated aquarium staff meticulously care for marine life, ensuring their well-being and maintaining the delicate balance of this aquatic world.
Sun Fangjie is inspecting the health status of marine organisms in the aquarium with her colleagues. (Photo/Liu Li)
Beneath the surface of the ocean park's sprawling aquarium, a world teeming with vibrant marine life captivates visitors daily. Yet, beyond the playful sea lions and intelligent dolphins lies an unseen realm of dedicated staff working tirelessly to maintain this underwater haven.
This intricate world demands meticulous attention, from monitoring every water droplet's microbiological components to caring for each marine inhabitant. A large group of staff is bustling around daily, exploring the joys and challenges of their unique roles.
Sun Fangjie is a cheerful presence in the aquarium laboratory. Her laughter is a testament to the joy her work brings her. Sun's journey began at Southwest University, where she majored in aquaculture studies. After an enriching internship experience, she joined the Chongqing Andover Ocean Park team six years ago, driven by her passion for marine life.
Sun Fangjie is testing water quality in the aquarium laboratory. (Photo/Liu Li)
Sun's day starts with thoroughly patrolling the aquarium's life systems, ensuring each creature's health and well-being. This routine includes collaborating with colleagues to check water quality indicators such as temperature and salinity. Any anomalies are promptly addressed to maintain an optimal environment.
Behind the scenes, Sun has witnessed moments invisible to visitors. These experiences, she believes, are not just a source of pride but also pose significant challenges. Understanding aquatic life's dietary and behavioral patterns demands patience and close observation. Unlike cats or dogs, marine animals don't vocalize their needs, making their care more complex.
Sun and her team are adept at reading these subtle cues. For instance, they notice the excited swimming patterns of fish at feeding times. The team's meticulous care extends to ensuring equitable feeding among the fish, especially those prone to being outcompeted.
Moreover, special attention is given to larger species like sharks, requiring separate feeding strategies. For smaller fish, multiple feeding spots are created to avoid conflicts.
Sun Fangjie regards the job as a kind of pride and a great challenge to her and her colleagues. (Photo/Liu Li)
The team's dedication extends to celebrating special occasions with their marine friends. Festive treats like ocean-themed Zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival or special mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival are prepared, adding a unique touch to the care they provide.
Sun and her colleagues are guardians of a delicate ecosystem in the bustling world of Chongqing Andover Ocean Park's aquarium. Their unseen efforts ensure that the marine inhabitants thrive, bringing joy to thousands of visitors while highlighting the importance of marine conservation.
(Liu Yujing, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)