Protect wild tigers

The 7th International Tiger Day was celebrated on July 29 at the Natural History Museum in Jilin province, with special attention on protection of the wild Manchurian tiger.

Attendees learned about Manchurian tiger protection over the past years and the animal's current living conditions through film, drama and dances.

Xiao Wanjun, deputy director-general at the Department of Forestry of Jilin Province's Protection Division, said that "Six protection areas for Manchurian tigers have been built in Jilin and more natural areas for wild animals will be developed."

"To date, 27 wild Manchurian tigers have been found within the province," Xiao added.

Liu Peiqi, director of the World Wildlife Fund in northeast China, said the total number of the world's wild tigers has reached 3,890, an increase of 21.6 percent since 2010.

Liu called on more people to contribute to wild tiger protection.

International Tiger Day, held annually on 29 July, was initiated in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit. Its goal is to raise public awareness to protect the large cat's natural habitat.