Jointly sponsored by the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the Qinhuangdao Wildlife Emergency Center, the center is believed to be the first of its kind in China managed by the forestry bureau.

"The center will mainly provide emergency aid for migratory birds that ate food containing pesticides or are injured," said Xu Jie, director of the Qinhuangdao Wildlife Zoo.

Qinhuangdao, a port city on the west shore of the Bohai Gulf, has become an ideal place for migratory birds because of the coastline has lush forests, rich food and fresh water resources, grassland and beaches, he added.

According to statistics, about 400 types of birds have been found in the city, including 64 kinds birds on the State Protection List.

(People's Daily 10/01/2000)