In the sprawling wetlands of Jiangsu's Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve, a heartwarming story unfolds daily between caretakers and China's iconic 'sibuxiang'—the milu deer. These ancient creatures, once nearly extinct, now roam freely thanks to conservation efforts and the dedication of people like Yu Xiaopeng.
🌱 Yu and his team prep nutrient-packed meals (think leafy greens + scientifically balanced pellets) while tracking the deer's health. \"They recognize our voices,\" Yu laughs, describing how herds gather at feeding calls. Years of care have forged a unique cross-species trust—deer nuzzle caretakers during health checks, and calves follow humans like ducklings.
💡 Fun fact: The reserve isn't just a wildlife haven—it's a climate-resilient wetland model! Over 7,000 milu deer thrive here today, making this the world's largest herd. 🎥 TikTok-worthy scenes of deer galloping through misty marshes? Absolutely.
📸 Pro tip for travelers: Visit during autumn rutting season for dramatic antler clashes and spine-tingling bellows! 🍂
Reference(s):
cgtn.com