A Boy's Rescue of an Injured Yak in Earthquake-Stricken Xizang

Tenzin, a 14-year-old boy from Gurum Village in Dingri County, Xigaze, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, witnessed the aftermath of a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck his village. Despite sustaining a minor head injury himself, Tenzin's compassion shone through as he noticed a yak trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.

Determined to save the injured animal, Tenzin, along with his 12-year-old friend Kunga Tsering, began tending to the yak. They provided it with food and water, even though the yak's injuries were severe and its chances of survival seemed slim. Their unwavering dedication to helping the yak, regardless of its ownership or survival prospects, exemplified their kindness and empathy.

The earthquake had a significant impact on the livestock in the affected areas, including yaks, which are an integral part of the residents' livelihood. Emergency response teams prioritized rescuing and providing care for injured animals, while also ensuring the safe disposal of deceased livestock to prevent the spread of diseases.

The Animal Disease Control Center of the Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in Xigaze city played a crucial role in managing the animal situation. Their personnel were deployed to the disaster-stricken areas to safely dispose of dead livestock carcasses, preventing the outbreak of animal epidemics and safeguarding public health.

During the rescue and cleanup operations, the teams prioritized minimizing the economic losses of the affected residents. Healthy livestock were returned to their owners, while severely injured animals beyond saving were dealt with according to the owners' wishes and local customs. This ensured that the livestock industry and public health were protected.