'Tiger guardians' share insights on protection of tigers

Six "tiger guardians" — a tiger breeder, scientists, an architect, an artists and an international volunteer — marked the annual International Tiger Day on July 29 through sharing their insights and experiences on why South China tigers become critically endangered and what has been and will be done to protect them at an event held at the South China Tiger Breeding and Research Base in the city of Shaoguan in northern Guangdong Province.

Participants pose for a photo at the gate of the South China Tiger Breeding and Research Base in Shaoguan City, northern Guangdong Province, on July 29 before a story-sharing event on protection of tigers began. The event marked the International Tiger Day, which falls on July 29 every year. Lin Songtao

Lan Tianming, head of a research group on the genome of endangered animal species at BGI Research, gives a speech on gene management of South China tigers on July 29.  Wang Haolan

Thomas Edison Harvey shares his stories of encountering South China tigers.  Lin Songtao

Participants at the story-sharing night.  Wang Haolan

Gigi pose for a photo at the breeding base on Saturday. Wang Haolan

Participants at the story-sharing night.  Wang Haolan

Harvey and his wife Gigi pose for a photo at the breeding base on Saturday. Wang Haolan

Guimaraes (1st R) poses for a photo with his wife and two children before Friday's event. Wang Haolan

Participants of the event take a tour in Shaoguan.  Lin Songtao

Daughter of Jesse Guimaraes (F) in a tour to Shaoguan National Forest Park. 

Patricia Raharizanany Avotriniaina from Madagascar (L) poses for a photo with a tiger sculpture at the base. Lin Songtao

A total of seven representatives, including the six speakers of July 29's story-sharing event, are commended as the "Guardians of South China Tigers" by the host of the event.  Lin Songtao 

A female South China tiger cub.  Wang Haolan

A female South China tiger cub.   Wang Haolan

Female South China tiger cubs Lianhua and Furong delight the visitors at the South China Tiger Breeding and Reserarch Base in Shaoguan. Wang Haolan

Female South China tiger cubs Lianhua and Furong in a playful spirit.   Wang Haolan