Meet the Tiger Kindergarten
At the Meihua Mountain South China Tiger Breeding Research Center in Fujian province in the Chinese mainland, conservationists have opened what they call a "tiger kindergarten." It's here that the next generation of South China tigers takes its first steps toward survival in the wild.
From Cradle to Hunting Ground
Artificial breeding provides the essential foundation. Under careful supervision, cubs learn to feed and gain strength. But strength alone isn't enough – so the program then transitions into rewilding training, where cubs gradually face challenges that mimic life on the hunt.
The Journey of Three Cubs
This year, three cubs have become the heart of the kindergarten. Trainers guide them through sequential lessons designed to build balance, stealth and self-reliance. Each milestone – from mastering a cautious stalk to navigating a mock prey setup – brings them closer to the wild.
A Global Call for Conservation
With fewer than 20 South China tigers surviving in captivity worldwide, every cub counts. This tiger kindergarten combines scientific precision with hands-on care, aiming to one day release these youth into protected reserves. It's a model of innovation that resonates with wildlife enthusiasts and changemakers across the globe.
As these cubs continue to grow, their journey symbolizes hope and action for biodiversity protection everywhere.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
