Super Zoo

Chapter 150: Chapter 149 The Decision of the City

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.

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!"