A Black-Necked Crane ‘Settled’ at Zhexi for Five Years

At Changhaizi Management Station in the Zhexi Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve, a 'friend' from afar has been living for the fifth year, 'settling' in Zhexi. Let's get to know it.

Inside the wild animal rescue station of the management station, this black-necked crane, having just had a meal, is leisurely 'walking'. Facing the reporter's 'visit', it doesn't appear particularly startled. Its 'roommates', including a yellow duck and a wild rooster, are also receiving treatment.

According to reports, this black-necked crane was injured during its wintering in Zhexi in March 2015. After being rescued by the Nature Reserve Administration and the Forest Police, it gradually recovered. However, it missed the migration time after recovery and has been cared for by Changhaizi Management Station for a long time.

The 'caretaker' Mr. Yu told reporters that this black-necked crane likes to eat corn and sweet potatoes, and eats about half a jin of corn per day. It goes to sleep at night and gets up at six or seven in the morning. It has a strong self-protection awareness. It will use its 'mouth' and 'feet' to clear any branches and weeds that fall into the water pool. If there is an injured black-necked crane coming for treatment, it will curiously 'patrol' around it, showing its 'host's' demeanor.

This black-necked crane's 'settlement' period has become a 'big star' in the local area. Many tourists come to admire it. At the same time, long-term care and observation of it have provided valuable data and information for scientific research on the growth and habits of black-necked cranes.

Reporter Chen Qishi Xu Y Xiong Gao Zhi Ping

Compilation: Yuan Ronghui Editor: Chen Yaobang