ChineseToday | Chinese conservationist contributes to wildlife protection in Kenya-Xinhua

NAIROBI, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- From watching cartoons depicting wild animals in childhood to becoming a wildlife guardian, Zhuo Qiang, also known as Simba, is the first Chinese to work full-time on wildlife conservation in Africa.

In 2011, Zhuo traveled to the Mara-Serengeti savannah, where he had been staying with the indigenous Maasai people and working with local conservationists at Ol Kinyei Conservancy, a wildlife sanctuary. He has kept doing his work there until now.

Zhuo's work includes patrolling across the conservancy to prevent poaching and illicit grazing, observing wildlife, and rescuing injured animals.

Zhuo Qiang checks the condition of livestock in a Maasai family in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Zhuo Qiang observes animals at Ol Kinyei Conservancy 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 patrols with rangers in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Zhuo Qiang observes elephants at Ol Kinyei Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Zhuo Qiang and a ranger observe flamingos at Soysambu Conservancy in Nakuru, Kenya on Aug. 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Zhuo Qiang patrols at Ol Kinyei Conservancy in Maasai Mara, Kenya on Aug. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

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 added.

Through years of hard work, Zhuo has gained the trust and respect of local tribes.