Change of direction

When she was studying horticulture at Northeast Agricultural University, Xu Zhuo originally planned to ply that trade in South China. However, she changed her mind after her father's unexpected death.

"When I read his diary, I was touched by his detailed records of raising red-crowned cranes from the first day he worked in the wetland. When I finish reading all the diaries, I decided to continue his work," she said.

She decided to transfer to Northeast Forestry University and study wildlife conservation.

"The university is also my aunt's alma mater," she said. "I think it is the best way to cherish her memory. Although I never met my aunt, I grew up with the song and her story, which has guided my life. As the third generation of my family to protect red-crowned cranes, I will continue walking that road."

However, when she began work at the reserve, she discovered that the knowledge she had gained at university was far from sufficient to do the work.

Determined to succeed, she pored over numerous books and other study materials, consulting her former professors and experienced colleagues if she discovered problems she was unable to solve.

Now, she shuttles through the reeds every day, monitoring the cranes and then recording the details in her notebook along with vivid illustrations she draws as a special way of continuing her father's work.