Chapter 456: Chapter 232: Welcoming Director Yang for the Inspection
"Not at all, not at all. It’s all part of the job."
Feng Jianye smiled. "President Pang drew up such great blueprints; we just had to follow them and fill in the gaps. Come on, Director Yang, let us show you around and see what our Xianlai looks like now."
"That’s right, so much has changed," An Yumin added enthusiastically.
And so, accompanied by Feng Jianye and An Yumin, Yang Qi began his detailed tour of the Xianlai Zoo.
The first thing that came into view was the entrance service area. The spacious visitor center, ticket office, souvenir shop, and restaurant were all in place. The design was consistent with the main gate, possessing a grand, traditional atmosphere that was infused with modern comfort.
Next was the Fierce Beast Valley.
The area had been converted from the mountain’s natural ravines. Elevated walkways, glass observation decks, and hidden viewing tunnels allowed visitors to safely observe the fierce beasts from multiple angles.
The main construction was already complete, with rockeries, pools, and vegetation preliminarily in place. However, the internal enrichment facilities and detailed decorations had yet to be added.
Even so, you could already get a glimpse of the design philosophy: to build into the mountainside and strive to replicate a natural habitat.
"In the future, we mainly plan to exhibit Northeast Tigers, African lions, leopards, and black bears here."
An Yumin explained, "The utility lines are being laid now. Once we have water and power, we can add the enrichment features. Then it’ll be ready for the animals."
After that was the Reptile World.
It used ultra-clear, high-transparency glass, installed at a slight angle and arranged in a series of partitioned enclosures.
"The key for reptiles is controlling the temperature, light, and airflow. A specialized system will be installed here for that purpose,"
An Yumin explained.
Then came the Primate Paradise.
This was an area enclosed by tall glass walls and artificial vines, filled with perches and ropes staggered at various heights for orangutans, baboons, and various monkeys to climb and play on.
Sunlight streamed in through the glass, bright but not scorching.
"We plan to introduce a troop of ring-tailed lemurs, as well as macaques, chimpanzees, and mandrills."
Feng Jianye added, "Primates have high environmental standards, so the design here drew on the experience of many advanced zoos, both domestic and international."
Next was the Herbivorous Animal Corridor.
It was a wide, gently sloping grassland, sectioned off by natural streams and low shrubs. In the future, it could be a mixed habitat for zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and alpacas.
In the distance, the basic structures of the Giraffe House and Elephant House were also under construction.
The Children’s Interactive Area was designed with a whimsical, child-friendly feel. It featured a petting zoo with gentle animals like ponies, alpacas, and rabbits, as well as animal-themed playground equipment. It was clearly a key area for attracting families in the future.
But what surprised and delighted Yang Qi the most was the Wetland Birdwatching Area.
The Xianlai grounds originally contained a natural, fifteen-acre pond. The water was crystal clear, and a spring at its bottom ensured the water remained flowing and clean.
The design team had cleverly leveraged this natural advantage, creating a vibrant wetland landscape with the pond at its heart.
A winding wooden boardwalk weaved through clumps of aquatic plants like reeds, irises, and cattails. Several bird-watching pavilions and hidden observation blinds were scattered throughout.
Some wild ducks, egrets, and other waterfowl had already been drawn to the water’s surface to roost.
Along the shore, exhibits were also planned for wading birds and waterfowl like flamingos, pelicans, and black swans.
"Impressive. It’s beautiful!"
Yang Qi couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
Under the autumn sun, the shimmering water, swaying reeds, and soaring birds composed a tranquil and beautiful panorama.
He could just imagine how vibrant it would be in the spring, when the aquatic plants were lush and the migratory birds returned.
"This pond is Xianlai’s crown jewel."
Feng Jianye said proudly, "It’s spring-fed, so the water quality is excellent. With minimal treatment, it meets the standards for the exhibit animals, and we can even recycle it."
"The wetland ecosystem is largely self-sustaining. We just need to manage it properly."
An Yumin nodded in agreement. "The birdwatching area is our signature feature. It’s also a perfect place for future wetland conservation and public education initiatives."
Yang Qi nodded.
...
After touring the main animal exhibits, they went to see the other buildings: the administration building, the research center, the staff dormitories, and the on-site hotel. All had been topped out and were currently undergoing interior finishing.
Everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion, and the progress was gratifying.
The one hundred trees for the Hundred Trees Nourishing Body Array—each carefully selected, over thirty years old, of various species, and in robust health—had also been planted in their specified locations.
Even though it was late autumn and winter was approaching, with many leaves already yellow, all the trees had survived. They had been planted with enormous root balls and properly cared for. Their sturdy branches stood quietly, exuding a serene, profound presence.
"Good. Excellent."
Yang Qi opened his eyes, a satisfied smile on his face. "Teacher Feng, Teacher An, you’ve worked hard."
"Of course. When Director Yang gives an order, we naturally take it to heart," Feng Jianye said with a smile.
An Yumin, however, asked curiously, "Director Yang, I’ve never quite understood why we had to plant these specific one hundred trees, with such strict requirements for species, age, and placement. President Pang mentioned it had something to do with feng shui?"
She asked bluntly, as it was a question that had been on her mind for a while.
"Yes, I know a little about feng shui."
Yang Qi smiled and gave a half-truthful explanation. "Animals are far more sensitive to their environment than humans are."
"A natural environment that’s lush with trees, full of life, and has a harmonious atmosphere will make the animals feel more secure and comfortable. It reduces stress and is more conducive to their health and reproduction."
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