Chinese conservationist contributes to wildlife protection in Kenya

From watching cartoons depicting wild animals in childhood to becoming a guardian of their natural habitat, Zhuo Qiang — known as Simba, which means lion in Swahili — is the first Chinese to work full-time on wildlife conservation in Africa.

In 2011, Zhuo traveled to the Mara-Serengeti savannah in Kenya, where he had been staying with the indigenous Maasai people and working with local conservationists at Ol Kinyei Conservancy, a sanctuary for wildlife.

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He has continued his work there ever since and his role includes patrolling across the conservancy to prevent poaching and illicit grazing, monitoring wildlife and rescuing injured animals.

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 proved to be an effective alternative to develop the local economy, offering the Maasai people a means to improve their livelihoods without having to kill the animals, Zhuo said.

Through years of unwavering dedication, Zhuo has gained the trust and respect of the local tribes.