Yunnan Series Part Two: Jinghong’s Zoo

A member of the SAIS-Tsinghua cohort visited the local zoo of Jinghong and would like to share the photos from the tour, with permission from the employees and staff of the zoo. Through a local translator, employees expressed discomfort at the lower standard force upon the zoo, due to economic pressures. The zoo showed signs of economic hardships, with multiple exhibits closed and the areas designed for more freedom of movement for some of the larger animals in disrepair. The health of a number of animals seemed to be in low quality and suggested they were in need of assistance. As economic development and ecotourism continue to attract more tourists; demand for better treatment, facilities, and regulation of zoological parks needs to be increased to ensure sustainable and proper ecotourism growth in the region. Look for the third installment of the Yunnan Research on April 10, 2017.