Zhuo Qiang checks the condition of a cow attacked by lions in a Maasai family in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. From watching cartoons depicting wild animals in childhood to becoming a guardian of wildlife, Zhuo Qiang, also known as Simba, is the first Chinese to work full-time on wildlife conservation in Africa.
In 2011, Zhuo traveled to Mara-Serengeti savannah, where he had been staying with the indigenous Maasai people and working with local conservationists at Ol Kinyei Conservancy, a sanctuary for wildlife. He has kept doing his work there until now.
His work includes patrolling across the conservancy to prevent poaching and illicit grazing, observing wildlife, and rescuing injured animals.
Zhuo believes that wildlife conservation requires the integration of local communities. "Wildlife conservation can only be achieved by a united community," he said.
Meanwhile, eco-friendly tourism has proven to be an effective alternative to develop the local economy and can help the Maasai people earn a better life without having to kill the animals, Zhuo said.
Through years of hard work, Zhuo has gained trust and respect from the local tribes. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang prepares supper in a camp in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang sits inside a camp in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang and a ranger observe flamingos in Soysambu Conservancy in Nakuru, Kenya on Aug. 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang patrols with rangers in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang and a ranger install an infrared camera in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang communicates with Maasai people in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang helps a Maasai ranger climb a tree for wildlife observation in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
This photo taken on Aug. 22, 2024 shows wild animals at Ol Kinyei Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang communicates with a colleague by the bonfire at a camp in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 21, 2024.(Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
This photo taken on Aug. 22, 2024 shows antelopes at Ol Kinyei Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya.(Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang checks the condition of a cow attacked by lions at a Maasai family in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang patrols at Ol Kinyei Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang observes elephants in Ol Kinyei Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang prepares supper in a camp in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang visits a Maasai family in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang observes animals in Ol Kinyei Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Zhuo Qiang observes elephants in Ol Kinyei Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
