The Yangtze's Smile

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis), a nationally protected wildlife species at the first level in China and the only extant freshwater dolphin species in the country, is hailed as the "panda of the water". Having inhabited the Earth for 25 million years, it serves as a true "living fossil" of the Yangtze River. As early as 4,000 years ago, our ancestors captured its graceful silhouette through clay sculptures.

Characterized by a rounded head, spindle-shaped body, and a slightly upturned snout that resembles a smiling face, the finless porpoise is affectionately known as the "Yangtze's Smile". As an iconic indicator species of the Yangtze River ecosystem, its presence reflects the health of the river's biodiversity.

In recent years, the Tian-e-Zhou Baiji National Nature Reserve has implemented four major conservation strategies: in-situ conservation, ex-situ conservation, artificial breeding, and wild release training. Currently, the reserve maintains a stable population of around 80 individuals, marking significant progress in safeguarding this ancient species for future generations.