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IWMC
World Conservation Trust |
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Beijing Wildlife Park
A place to Visit, and Appreciate...
By Eugene Lapointe
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Beijing and its surroundings are known for their famous
architectural, historical, and cultural sights. Tourists and foreigners can
spend months in Beijing without having the opportunity to visit the many
attractions this unique city offers.
During my last stay in Beijing, at the end of March, I visited a new
attraction located at approximately 40-minute drive from center town, the
Beijing Wildlife Park which opened to the public in August 2001. I am not
particularly found of zoological and wildlife parks. Not that I do not
recognize their valid causes and objectives, and their positive impact on
education, but simply due to the fact that I have had several opportunities to
witness wild species in their natural habitat. So when I was asked to visit the
Beijing Wildlife Park, I accepted more out of politeness for my hosts, than by
personal interest. I soon realized I would have made a gross mistake not to
accept.
The park is, by any standards, one of the best I have ever seen. New
concepts have been used in the planning, development and layout of the
premises, that provide maximum interaction between visitors and the species.
The figures of the Park are impressive. It covers a total of 670 hectares and,
as of now, only 240 are developed; 300 collaborators, including 24 scientists
assure the well-being of the animals and the comfort and pleasure of the
visitors. It comprises over 200 species from around the world that enjoy
superior environment, facilities, care and attention, in a context similar to
their natural habitat.
My visit was guided by the General Manager of the Park, Dr. Wang Tingsen,
and its Vice General Manager, Dr. Liu Xinchen - an old friend I had not seen
for several years. I was also accompanied by the IWMC Vice-President in China,
Dr Qing Jinhua, who contributed to the implementation of the project leading to
the realization of the Park. These friends offered me a "day to
remember" while reconciling me with the zoological and wildlife parks.
During your next visit to Beijing, after touring such fascinating sites as
the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, you might need a rest. Take a trip to
nature: go to the Beijing Wildlife Park. You will find it refreshing and
informative, to say the least. You will also realize that captive animals have
a behavior that can be just as wild as that of wild animals domesticated by
abuses of eco-tourism. 
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