Super Zoo

Along with the application for a 5A scenic area designation, a report titled "Proposals for Zoo Animal Rewilding Preparation Work" was also submitted. Unlike the application, this report was sent to the municipal government for discussion, and Yangchuan City's government had the authority to review and issue approval.

Using the young wolf Huiya and Haidong Qing as case studies, the report analyzed the feasibility of rewilding efforts and proposed that the biggest issue currently was the lack of proper land. A space similar to a nature reserve was essential, where entry of outsiders would be prohibited and managed by the zoo, enabling the animals to initially adapt to a wild environment. This way, the animals that grow up in the nature reserves could have their offspring directly released into the wild.

It was not explicitly stated, but everyone understood that the hill behind the zoo, being a part of the Qinling Mountains subrange and adjacent to the zoo, was the most suitable location for both management and future rewilding efforts.

In the municipal committee discussion meeting, Mr. Sun, who was nearing retirement, straightforwardly proposed that since the hill was essentially wasteland, it should be provided to the zoo for rewilding preparation work. Furthermore, the zoo should be responsible for the environmental protection of the hill. If it were well-managed, it could potentially support the zoo's involvement in the national 5A scenic area evaluation process—a case of multiple benefits in one stroke.

Don't underestimate a 5A level scenic spot. A properly operated 5A scenic area can significantly boost a city's tourism economy.

As if compensating the zoo for not achieving the 5A scenic area status this time, the municipal committee finally decided that the zoo could pilot the rewilding work on the hill.

This was a somewhat vague resolution and did not explicitly allocate the entire hill to the zoo.

After all, "the hill" is a vague term. Strictly speaking, it includes several dozen hilltops and large mountains that stretch into the Qinling Mountains, not just a small hill of dozens or hundreds of acres. Even though this area is currently underutilized, it could not be just handed over to the zoo—no matter how extensive the area, not even the mayor had that authority.

This is like even the highest leaders wouldn't have the audacity to allocate the Daxinganling to a particular entity. Although the hill behind the zoo isn't as famous as the Daxinganling, the nature of both is the same, as they both comprise a mountain range.

Nevertheless, with this resolution, the zoo could at least use the hill legally.

"This is the best, and largest, favor I could secure for the zoo before my retirement," said Mr. Song earnestly to Suming. "However, you must understand that the hill can currently only be used for rewilding. Strictly speaking, it does not count as an asset of the zoo."

Suming understood Mr. Song's implication and smiled, "Don't worry, Director. We take it one step at a time—just like eating one bite at a time. This is only the first step. Now that we've reached out to the hill, it marks the first step, and in the future, given the opportunity, we'll gradually take over the hill, piece by piece."

"I never thought about making money in my life, but now that I'm old, I find myself avaricious," Mr. Song chuckled with a bit of self-deprecation. However, he had no choice given the current restructuring. Securing more now meant a stronger foundation post-restructuring for both the animals and the people working with him, benefiting everyone.

"You're busy, so I'll go check on the aquarium," Suming said.

The city's master plan was to establish an aquatic life conservation center adjacent to Shuijun Lake within the zoo, but such things have to be done step by step. Starting too ambitiously could lead to the same issues faced by the provincial-level center, becoming nothing more than an empty shell. Therefore, for now, they've only built a relatively well-equipped aquarium.

Of course, the key reason was the lack of funds.

The family of three river dolphins and the big sturgeon were the first to be housed in the aquarium. Being world-renowned and star attractions, in just one week after opening, the number of visitors had already surpassed 30,000.

Thirty thousand is not an impressive number, as some nationally famous spots exceed that in daily visitors on holidays. Yet, before Suming arrived, Yangchuan City Zoo only saw a monthly footfall of 15,000 to 20,000 visitors.

Regardless, even if the visitor numbers eventually decrease, the income from admissions to the zoo would still roll significantly higher than before. Consequently, after discussing with Mr. Song, Suming decided not to increase the admission fees. In fact, at the appropriate time, they might even reduce the prices. As long as the total number of visitors continued to rise, the overall income would naturally follow suit.

The main body of the aquarium was connected to Shuijun Lake, where the river dolphins lived in a new, small artificial lake. However, two sides had transparent glass for visitors to watch. To prevent monotony, the zoo also added various fish species to share the space with the river dolphins.

Behind the aquarium was an artificial cave, with a circular path constructed above it. Below there was an artificial waterfall and artificial ponds, reminiscent of the caves Suming saw in the hill. Visitors on the path could observe the big sturgeon living below.

Upon seeing Suming's arrival, the big sturgeon expressed its discontent somewhat gloomily.

"Gurgle gurgle gurgle…" The sturgeon didn't just mimic the cry of a child when upset; it could also produce frog-like sounds, with its belly puffing rhythmically—a rather amusing sight.

"How about I release you back into the hills if you're not satisfied?" Suming said with a laugh.

The big sturgeon immediately calmed down. The older it got, the more timid it became. After nearly being killed last time, it had grown to cherish its life and did not wish to be placed in a precarious situation again. After all, life in the zoo was comfortable and safe, with the added bonus of being willingly provided food.

This creature was a bit insatiable. Just like humans, after becoming warm and full, it started thinking about companionship. Having lived alone for decades, or perhaps even a century, it felt too lonely after settling into a stable life and wanted to find a partner.

"If you don't mind interspecies companionship, it would be easy—I could just get you a few large fish..."

The old sturgeon looked blankly at Suming, as if it was staring at an idiot.

Finding a partner for the old sturgeon was not easy. There were artificial breeding farms in China, but female sturgeons were usually used as broodstock and were expensive. More importantly, despite the old sturgeon appearing docile and endearing in Suming's presence, it was actually quite irritable. If a female sturgeon was too small, it might easily be bitten to death by him.

Suming patted its head, "So you see, you need to work on your temper first. When you learn how to cherish and be gentle with the ladies, I'll then find you a companion!"