China wildlife rescue efforts are bringing new life to the Qilian Mountains, a vital ecological shield in the nation’s northwest. At the Qinghai section of Qilian Mountains National Park, skilled teams work daily to heal injured animals and prepare them for release. However, survival in the wild remains the real test for these rescues, making such conservation work both challenging and rewarding.
For Ma Cunxin, head of the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Station, every case begins with careful medical checks and treatment plans. Moreover, each injured animal receives tailored care from start to finish. Over the years, Ma has treated snow leopards, black-necked cranes, and other rare species. This demanding work reflects the dedication at the heart of Chinese animal rescue work and the broader mission of wildlife protection in China.
One memorable rescue involved a rare desert cat. The animal entered a farmer’s home in Menyuan County and attacked chickens. Since the farmer did not recognize it as protected, he injured it before alerting authorities. Soon after, it traveled nearly 100 kilometers to reach the station. As a national first-class protected species, the desert cat plays an important role in ecological diversity. After two months of specialized care, the team released it, marking another major achievement for conservation efforts in the region.
Encouragingly, local communities now take more action to protect wild animals. This shift results from public awareness programs and consistent wildlife rescue work. For example, desert cats were rarely seen before, yet recent surveys estimate 300 to 500 individuals in this part of the Qilian Mountains. These numbers prove how ongoing protection can boost species recovery.
To prepare animals for life after release, the station uses 26.67 hectares of alpine grassland as a training base. Here, they relearn hunting, predator avoidance, and survival instincts. This step strengthens the long-term success of wildlife protection in China by ensuring released animals adapt well to their habitats.
Since starting year-round operations, the station has treated over 200 injured animals from 36 species. Many are first or second-level protected wildlife in China. Before release, each animal gets a tracking device to monitor movement and survival. Data from tracked desert rabbits, for example, has expanded knowledge for future rescue projects.
The station also serves as an education hub. Former herder Tashi Tsering now works there, caring for animals after leasing his pasture. School groups and tourists regularly visit, learning how conservation programs help maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Ma believes that saving wildlife benefits entire communities. “One person can influence a family, and families can influence society,” he says. Ultimately, greater wildlife diversity makes ecosystems stronger and more stable. China wildlife rescue efforts show that conservation, education, and community involvement can work together for lasting ecological health.
