Beijing promotes closer human-animal coexistence

Authorities are working to overcome the effects of urbanization and help nature flourish. Xin Wen reports.

Early one morning in May 2011 at Beijing Olympic Forest Park, Zhang Yu turned his camera away from a flock of birds and watched as a hedgehog approached. It was the first time he had seen a hedgehog in the city.

The animal's cute gait and innocent features captured Zhang's heart immediately and he quickly took a photo of the fist-sized creature. Afterward, he began observing hedgehogs and tracking them down at night.