World Animal Day: China's rare species show signs of recovery
A reed parrotbill forages along the Yangtze River in Yangzhong, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 21, 2026. The reed parrotbill is a rare bird species endemic to China, known as the "panda of birds." (Photos: VCG)
A giant panda at Hongshan Forest Zoo in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province.
Winter migratory birds rest on the water or take flight at Longgan Lake National Nature Reserve in Huanggang, central China's Hubei Province, December 15, 2025.
Red pandas at Taiyanghe National Forest Park in Pu'er, southwest China's Yunnan Province, December 8, 2024.
A wild Francois' leaf monkey and its baby in Mayang River National Nature Reserve, Tongren, southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 3, 2026.
A wild Tianshan wapiti walks in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, January 28, 2024.
Every October 4 marks World Animal Day. This year's theme is "See the World Through Their Eyes," inviting people to consider how animals experience the world and act for their welfare.
In China, official figures show the results of that perspective-taking. Data released by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in May showed that more than 200 rare and endangered wildlife species have entered a phase of restorative growth, while over 100 threatened plant species have received emergency protection. The country's protected species coverage now exceeds 80%. Overwintering waterbird counts reached a record 5.059 million.
As these numbers suggest, seeing through their eyes is not only a gesture of empathy – it is shaping conservation outcomes.