On February 27, 2024, a yellow cheeked gibbon named Shandian (Lightning) was rescued and admitted to the zoo.Contrary to its powerful name, Shandian was shy and gentle. When it first arrived, it always hid in a corner, watching everything around it cautiously, full of unease in the unfamiliar environment.Every time staff approached, it would shrink back and stare with fear, only relaxing slightly after confirming no danger.The biggest challenge in the early rescue stage was that it refused to eat. Faced with carefully prepared food, it would tightly close its mouth and stubbornly turn away. This silent resistance touched everyone’s heart.
To help Shandian adapt to the new environment as soon as possible, the staff prepared a warm and comfortable nest with soft mats, as well as its favorite fruits and toys.However, Shandian was unresponsive to these thoughtful arrangements at first, still curling up in the corner. Only occasionally when no one was around would it carefully approach the food, quickly grab a handful, and dart back to safety.
The turning point came from the staff’s patience, persistent companionship, and attentive care.They treated it like a shy child, speaking to it in gentle tones and personally offering delicious grapes, sweet red dates, and nutritious milk tablets.Gradually, Shandian became less resistant. When staff approached, it no longer hid completely but watched them curiously. Sometimes it even tentatively reached out to take the fruit, with movements no longer flustered. It was beginning to trust the caregivers.After about one week, Shandian let down its guard completely.It began to greet the staff actively, take food skillfully, and its eyes became gentle and bright.Shandian started to move around in its new home, showing the agility and liveliness unique to yellow cheeked gibbons.Although still quiet and gentle by nature, the fear in its eyes gradually faded, replaced by expectation for its new life.
Its transformation is not only a successful rescue but also a heartwarming story about how life is healed by love.
