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Zoo Inspires 200,000 Poems: A Haven for Animals and Art
16 Jun
Summary
- Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo is praised for prioritizing animal welfare.
- The zoo has inspired over 200,000 poems and a new poetry collection.
- Director Shen Zhijun eliminated animal performances for natural habitats.
Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo, located in Jiangsu province's capital, is lauded as a compassionate sanctuary for animals. This zoo has fostered a unique connection with the public, inspiring an astonishing 200,000 poems and culminating in a published poetry collection titled 'After Finishing the Week's Work, I Go to the Zoo to Dream: Hongshan Forest Zoo Poetry Collection'.
The zoo's commitment extends to exceptional animal welfare, active wildlife rescue efforts, and vital conservation research. Embracing the philosophy of 'equality of life,' it promotes a symbiotic relationship between people and nature. This ethos is evident in the zoo's director, Shen Zhijun, who has worked for 18 years to make it a true home for its inhabitants.
Under Shen's leadership, animal performances have been eliminated, and the zoo's environment has been renovated to better reflect natural habitats. He champions the idea that animals have the right to be undisturbed, stating that they do not exist solely for human observation. This approach has created a space where animals can exhibit natural behaviors freely.
