33 years ago, on August 24, 1985, 22 Milu deers returned to their mother land China from the UK. They were taken back by Marquis of Tavistock in Woburn Abbey. After more than 30 years, the number of Milu has grown from the original 22 to more than 6,000 now; these 33 years have also witnessed the rapid development of China's economy and society. The protection of Milu and spreading of its culture also have opened a new chapter.

Milu deers were reintroduced to China from the UK in 1985.

China Daily, August 26, 1985, reports on the arrival of Milu in Beijing.

In November 1985, Li Peng, then the Vice Premier of the country, met with the Marquis of Tavistock. CBCGDF's predecessor, the Chinese Milu  Foundation, invited the Marquis as honorary director.

To celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Milu's reintroudction, the Nanhaizi Milu Culture Conference was held in Beijing on August 23-24, 2018. It was co-hosted by Beijing Daxing District People's Government, Beijing Science and Technology Research Institute, and the Administration Committee of Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone. It aims at spreading Milu culture and promoting ecological civilization.

Signing ceremony for the reintroduction of Milu

(Above photo source: Maria Boyd)

Originated from “China Milu Foundation” founded in 1985, CBCGDF has a historical relationship with Milu. CBCGDF's vice chairman Zhang Zuoshuang attended the conference and exchanged ideas on the protection of Milu and other wildlife species with the attendees.

CBCGDF's Vice Chairman Prof. Zhang Zuoshuang (right) 

(Photo: CBCGDF)

The representative of Woburn Abbey from the UK, Dominic, attended the conference as well. He mentioned that the reintroduction of Milu is recognized by the international community as a successful case in the field of species protection. He said that the Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center is carrying out a lot of valuable research work. In order to enhance the image of Milu worldwide, more results have to be published internationally.

Ms. Wang Xuechun, the famous host of CCTV, presided over the conference.

(Photo: CBCGDF)

By / Emily