[Explanation] On the afternoon of October 9th, the "Beast" Protecting the Homeland - Endangered Flagship Species Protection Special Exhibition opened at the National Zoological Museum, and 12 kinds of native wild cat skins (specimens) in China gathered for the first time.
The exhibition focuses on the four major species of tigers, elephants, rhinos and pangolins, presenting a large number of images and texts to the audience, as well as collections that have not been exhibited before.
[Concurrent] Zhang Jinshuo, deputy director of the National Zoological Museum
The whole exhibition (there are) three parts.
The first part talks about its basic biology (situation), the second part talks about its protection status, and the third is our actions, specific protection measures and achievements, and so on.
The World Wildlife Fund (World Wildlife Fund) has provided very beautiful photos. In addition, we have combined our physical specimens. If you can see the specimens, it will be lifelike. This kind of physical objects are placed here. Everyone has a very intuitive visual impact.
[Explanation] This exhibition is divided into three exhibition areas: the rhythm of the wild, the defense of life and the power of protection.
The wild rhythm exhibition area mainly focuses on the species characteristics of tigers, elephants, rhinos and pangolins, involving the evolutionary origin of species, taxonomy introduction, biological characteristics, diet, behavior, etc. The basic situation of endangered species is displayed through real photos and physical specimens.
The defense of life exhibition area explained the global threat level, living environment, threatened factors and common illegal trade products of endangered species.
12 kinds of native wild cat hides (specimens) in China that made their debut were exhibited in this exhibition area.
These specimens were collected in the wild by scientists from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences 50 or 60 years ago, and were only used for scientific research before.
Among them, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, golden cats, desert cats, and jungle cats are national first-class protected animals, and lynx, cloud cat, hozen, leopard cat, and Asian wild cat are national second-class protected animals.
The Power of Guardian exhibition area introduces a variety of wildlife protection activities carried out by WWF, China Wildlife Conservation Association, other NGOs and related enterprises in the industry.
[Concurrent] Zhang Jinshuo, deputy director of the National Zoological Museum
In the past, some masters of handicrafts and arts who carved ivory and rhino horn have also been constantly transformed. They have carved pangolins, rhinos and elephants with walnuts.
They are also calling for the conservation of elephants to protect these rhino wildlife through their artwork today.
【Live】Ms. Wu, the audience
I think this event made me understand what wildlife conservation is, especially the four endangered species.
Then I brought the children here this time. I think it can inspire their feelings of protecting wild animals from a young age. I think it is very meaningful.
【Live】Ms. Liu, the audience
The common life of humans and this animal is not only about the development of humans, but also the protection of wild animals and one of their habitats, and then harmonious coexistence.
【Live】Ms. Fan, the audience
I hope that more people can come to participate in this exhibition, and then everyone can increase the awareness of protecting biodiversity and protecting wild animals.
[Explanation] According to the staff, the exhibition will last until January 2023, during which the National Zoological Museum will also hold supporting popular science activities from time to time.
Xie Longfei reports from Beijing
Responsible editor: [Liu Pai]