Nestled in the breathtaking Angsai Grand Canyon, a biodiverse gem in Qinghai Province’s Yushu Xizang Autonomous Prefecture, Tibetan herder Kunga has become an unlikely hero for wildlife. Known as the 'Valley of Big Cats' 🐾 for hosting five rare wild feline species, this region is also a sanctuary for countless other animals – and Kunga’s backyard is their emergency room.
Growing up among snow-capped peaks and the Lancang River’s headwaters, Kunga has always felt a deep bond with nature. 'When an animal is hurt, our whole community helps,' he says. Locals regularly bring injured creatures to his doorstep, from foxes to endangered birds.
In December 2020, a dramatic rescue made him famous: A black-necked crane 🦅, attacked mid-flight by a predator, faced certain death without intervention. 'Its wing was broken during migration season,' Kunga recalls. Working with Angsai Township’s protection station, he nursed the crane back to health over months, becoming a viral grassroots conservation icon.
🌿 Why it matters: Kunga’s story reflects a growing movement of community-led conservation in China’s ecologically vital regions. The Angsai area’s success in balancing human activity and wildlife protection offers hope for endangered species worldwide.
