The 'helps' that make earth a better place
Updated 15:27, 02-Jan-2020
CGTN

In 2019, several disasters affected our planet including deadly typhoons such as Lekima and Hagibis, as well as heatwaves, which killed around 90 people in India and 162 people in Japan. It seems that the earth is undergoing some violent changes. 

Not only humans but many animals are also facing the challenges brought by extreme weather phenomena. For instance, thousands of koalas have lost their lives in the bushfires ravaging Australia in 2019.

Faced with lives in danger, some people ignore and run away, while others choose to help.

1. Public and hospital fight to save injured koalas

An injured koala is being treated in Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Australia. / Screenshot from a CCTV Plus video

An injured koala is being treated in Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Australia. / Screenshot from a CCTV Plus video

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, located in the NSW Australia, is the nation's first rehabilitation facility for the pouched mammals.

Since the outbreak of the bushfires in 2019, the hospital has received over two million Australian dollars in aid funds, the biggest input of funds in Australian history. This will enable the koala conservationists to carry out new projects for the preservation of the animal.

For more: Public and hospital fight to save Australia koalas

2. Abandoned leopard cub rescued by animal rights activist in Russia

Eve, a newborn leopard is being taken care of. /Screenshot from a CCTV Plus video

Eve, a newborn leopard is being taken care of. /Screenshot from a CCTV Plus video

A newborn leopard abandoned by the mother in the southern Ural of Russia was rescued by a famous veterinarian and animal rights activist from Chelyabinsk.

Thanks to the care and professionalism of veterinarians, the cub, named Eve, has survived and is now gaining weight. 

For more: Abandoned snow leopard cub rescued by animal rights activist

3. Villager rescues rare, injured bearded vulture in NW China

The injured bearded vulture. /Screenshot from a CCTV Plus video

The injured bearded vulture. /Screenshot from a CCTV Plus video

Li Chunyu, a villager of Horqin District of Tongliao City, China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, found an injured bearded vulture when he was herding geese on June 3, 2019.

The villager immediately called forestry authorities for help. When the bearded vulture recovers, it will be released to nature. 

For more: Villager rescues rare, injured bearded vulture in NW China

4. Orphaned elephant in Zimbabwe becomes wildlife protection 'ambassador'

Roxy Danckwerts from an NGO in Zimbabwe and Moyo, an elephant the organization rescued. /CGTN Photo

Roxy Danckwerts from an NGO in Zimbabwe and Moyo, an elephant the organization rescued. /CGTN Photo

Fighting elephant poaching has been an uphill battle in Africa. With the elephant population virtually wiped out in west Africa, poachers are turning to eastern African countries. One major consequence is the appearance of elephant orphans.

Fortunately, there is one Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called Wild Is Life in Zimbabwe that's dedicated themselves to saving these helpless creatures.

The Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery, set up by the organization, is located in the country's capital of Harare. Moyo is one of the rescued elephants in the nursery and has been taken good care of.

For more: The story of Moyo the elephant

5. After years of mistreatment, female lion welcomes triplets at Ukraine rescue center

Lion cubs.

Lion cubs.

An animal rehabilitation center in the western Ukrainian city of Khmelnytskii has welcomed three lion cubs.

This is the second time the mother, Tiara, has given birth this year. The mother, Tiara, used to live in a circus and was mistreated while in the custody of her previous owner.

She was sent to the rescue center four years ago where she met her "love" Amur.

That was the second time Tiara has given birth in 2019.

For more: After suffering mistreatment, lion couple welcomes triplets at Ukraine rescue center

Sometimes, just a little love and help can have a big impact in nature and in animal's lives. Pay attention to your surroundings and participate in flora and fauna protection activities. Don't litter the streets, make less trash. You can make a difference. 

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)