When Zeng Qianhui was a kid growing up on the picturesque Gulangyu Island in east China's Xiamen City, a statue caught her eye. It depicted a smiling Chinese white dolphin, and her mother told her that these precious creatures lived in the waters nearby. 🌊
Fast forward a few years, and Zeng is now a marine biologist on a mission to protect her hometown's beloved dolphins. After studying whales and dolphins around the world, she returned to Xiamen with a dream: to safeguard the Chinese white dolphins that had captivated her as a child. 💙
These dolphins, under China's first-class state protection, are facing serious challenges. With fewer than 100 dolphins swimming in waters next to a bustling city of over 5 million people, their survival is at risk. 🆘
Ferry boats zipping between islands, coastal construction, pollution, fishing nets, and plastic waste are all making life tough for these gentle creatures. 🛳️🏗️♻️
\"I hope there's still paradise for them,\" says Zeng, who now works with the Third Institute of Oceanography under China's Ministry of Natural Resources.
We joined Zeng on boat tours around Xiamen, searching for the elusive dolphins. Two days on the unpredictable sea without a single sighting showed just how rare they've become. 🐬💔
But it's not all doom and gloom! Xiamen has established a nature reserve specifically for the dolphins and is cracking down on harmful activities. Scientists like Zeng are monitoring their habitats and behaviors to find ways to help. 🌿🔬
\"Are you really happy?\" Zeng often wonders aloud to the dolphins.
While we might not have an answer yet, one thing's for sure: Zeng is doing everything she can to make their world a little better, one splash at a time. 💫
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
