When Zeng Qianhui was little, a statue on her home island – Gulangyu of east China's Xiamen City – opened the door to the world of the Chinese white dolphins for her. Her mother told the curious child that the precious dolphin depicted on that statue actually lived in the waters near their island.

Years later, after studying whales and dolphins as a professional marine biologist, Zeng returned to Xiamen with her heart set on safeguarding the beloved animal of her hometown.

The dolphin under China's first-class state protection is facing many challenges. The case is particularly difficult in Xiamen, as a dolphin population of less than 100 swim in waters alongside a metropolis with a human population of over 5 million. 

Ferry boats traveling between islands, coastal infrastructure construction, water and noise pollution, fishing nets and other plastic waste are all putting extra strains on their survival.

"I hope there is still paradise for them," Zeng, who now works for the Third Institute of Oceanography under China's Ministry of Natural Resources, told CGTN.

CGTN followed Zeng on boat tours around Xiamen in search of the rare marine mammal. Not spotting any for two days in the sea with very unpredictable weather is an indicator of how elusive they are.

To make life easier for the dolphins, Xiamen established a nature reserve specifically for them, while controlling fishing activities and coastal development. 

Scientists like Zeng are monitoring dolphins' living conditions as well as their habitats to try to understand the species and offer more help.

"Are you really happy?" Zeng asked the dolphins.

Maybe that question can only be answered in the future. But now, Zeng is doing her best to make the dolphins a little less stressed and a little more happy.

(Cover designed by CGTN's Liang Qian)