What does it take to spot a porpoise in the wild—and what does it take to protect one?

In Anhui, China, we explore two sides of this endangered freshwater mammal’s world. On the Yangtze River, wild porpoises move freely through their natural habitat. They surface briefly to breathe before disappearing beneath the water, making every sighting a matter of patience and luck. During our boat trip, we catch only a distant glimpse of these elusive animals.

At the Tongling Freshwater Dolphin National Nature Reserve, a closer encounter reveals another side of their lives. In a semi-natural conservation area, a caretaker taps the water and offers fish as the porpoises gather nearby. These quiet, everyday moments offer a glimpse into the ongoing work of caring for this endangered species.

But caring for porpoises at the reserve is only part of the work. Protecting those living in the wild and keeping the Yangtze River healthy are just as important. A close encounter may be brief, and a photograph can capture only a moment, but protecting these animals means making sure they have a future in the river they call home.