Introduced animals settle into life in Tibetan animal reserve

Animals introduced into an animal reserve in Tibet Autonomous Region have adapted well to the high altitude, Chinanews.com reported.

A staff member holds a newborn alpaca at Qushui Animal Reserve in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, on Thursday, November 16, 2017. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

A total of 27 species of animals now inhabit in the 74-hectare Qushui Animal Reserve in the regional capital Lhasa, including alpacas, sika deer, ostriches, camels, peacocks and zebras introduced from outside Tibet, said Qi Qianqian, marketing director of the reserve.

Alpacas at Qushui Animal Reserve in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, on Thursday, November 16, 2017 [Photo: Chinanews.com]

Qi said that even the zebras, which arrived in Tibet recently, are becoming acclimatized to the level of oxygen on the plateau.

Camels at Qushui Animal Reserve in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, on Thursday, November 16, 2017 [Photo: Chinanews.com]

The animal reserve controls the temperature, increases oxygen and humidity, said Qi, adding that local grasses have been mixed into the forage for the zebras to help them adapt.

Peacocks look for food at Qushui Animal Reserve in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, on Thursday, November 16, 2017 [Photo: Chinanews.com]

An alpaca gave birth in the reserve recently, and the number of the sika deer has also increased from 70 to over 100, said Qi.

Zebras eat at Qushui Animal Reserve in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, on Thursday, November 16, 2017 [Photo: Chinanews.com]

The animal reserve is planning to introduce more animals before its official opening next May, said Qi.