Chapter 700: Returning to the Sea

Feeding the melon-headed whales and watching them open their mouths to eat fish was a very gratifying experience.

Especially considering these two whales were on the brink of death when they arrived. Seeing them healthy and eating heartily after being rescued and carefully cared for brought immense satisfaction!

The surrounding staff couldn't help but smile as they watched.

The whales stayed in the penguin exhibit for another day, during which their condition was monitored.

As the melon-headed whales regained their health, their resistance to human interaction increased as well.

When handlers tried to help them swim by holding their bodies, the whales resisted, thrashing their tails in defiance.

Fang Ye recalled Director Qi's story about rescuing the snow leopard Ling Xue!

Ling Xue was severely injured and very weak at the time. Administering anesthesia daily was risky, as she couldn't eat or drink for a period after each dose. Following standard rescue procedures could have led to her death.

San Dezi, who took care of Ling Xue, would hold her by the scruff of her neck to administer IV fluids.

San Dezi wasn't originally his name, but because he took such good care of Princess Ling Xue, people jokingly called him San Dezi, after the famous servant who attended to the Empress Dowager.

When Ling Xue was severely injured and weak, her resistance was very low. San Dezi could sit beside her and even touch her to comfort her, which she accepted, even purring contentedly like a cat.

However, once she regained some strength and could walk, her temperament completely changed.

She became highly alert and would bare her teeth at anyone who approached, essentially saying, "Who are you? Get lost."

She wouldn't let anyone near her and became very destructive.

This is typical of wild animals; they don't recognize their rescuers after recovery and will run off without looking back when released. They don't show gratitude, which is their natural behavior.

Such "ungrateful" behavior is actually what rescue organizations hope to see, as it indicates the animals don't develop a dependence on humans.

The melon-headed whales' resistance to the handlers was a sign that they had recovered significantly!

Although some blood test indicators were still not ideal and they were a bit weak, they were ready to be released.

The fisheries department had also made arrangements over the past two days, and the plan was set.

The weather was good, with calm seas, and the release was scheduled for today.

...

In the afternoon, as the sun began to set and the temperature dropped, a truck transported the whales to the release site.

When they arrived at the seaside, an orange-red sun was about to dip below the horizon.

The radiant light illuminated the vast blue sea, resembling a golden dragon coiled above it.

The sky was painted with vibrant hues, from fiery apricot to rose-red and mysterious purple.

Waves, driven by the sea breeze, sparkled as they rolled towards the shore, creating an inviting shimmer.

The cool evening breeze at the seaside blew away the day's heat.

The boat slowly sailed towards deeper waters!

Sensing the salty, fresh sea breeze, the two melon-headed whales became excited, thrashing their tails despite being restrained on the stretcher.

Fang Ye used his soothing skills to calm the whales, preventing them from injuring themselves in their excitement. Lan Li recorded the moment on video.

The release area was the same as where they had stranded, so they might encounter their companions after being released.

At a spot where the water was about 15 meters deep, the boat stopped.

Several divers entered the water first to assist the whales underwater!

They would stay until the whales safely swam away.

Then, five or six handlers lifted the stretcher and attached its straps to the boat's crane hook.

The crane slowly swung over the shimmering sea and lowered the whales into the water, where the divers helped release them from the stretcher.

Freed from their restraints, the whales immediately dove into the water!

They surfaced a little further away.

The two whales swam together, their movements graceful and lively.

They leaped out of the water, creating beautiful arcs before diving back in, splashing white waves.

They continued to leap and play, expressing their joy and excitement.

The soft evening glow reflected off their smooth skin, casting a captivating light.

The scene, with the sunset, leaping whales, and splashing waves, was like a beautiful painting.

The rescuers stood at the edge of the deck, holding the railing, happily watching this beautiful scene!

Lan Li turned to Fang Ye and said, "They look so happy!"

Fang Ye, with his arm around Lan Li's waist, smiled and said, "Yes, they do."

Waving his hand, he shouted towards the distance, "Goodbye! Be careful and don't get stranded again!"

The two whales played for a while longer before diving and disappearing, this time for good.

As the boat returned, the sky gradually darkened.

Fang Ye made a few calls to update other departments on the successful release.

Mayor Bai called shortly after, sounding very pleased, "Director Fang, thank you for your hard work!"

The rescue of the melon-headed whales in Linhai had garnered significant attention on Weibo.

The city took this matter very seriously, quickly coordinating all of Fang Ye's requests.

The zoo's rescue efforts were exemplary!

Even CCTV News praised the rescue, saying it embodied the concept of a community of life between humans and nature.

Next year was the new round of national civilized city evaluations.

Having such a zoo with outstanding wildlife rescue achievements was a significant advantage.

Fang Ye didn't expect Mayor Bai to personally call and praise him, and he replied, "It's what we should do!"

Mayor Bai not only praised their efforts but also asked if the zoo had any needs.

Whether it was subsidies or policy support, the city would try to meet them.

Fang Ye's eyes lit up!

The zoo initially had a small area, and after an expansion approved by the city, it reached 100,000 square meters, solving their immediate needs.

However, with the zoo's ongoing development, the 100,000 square meters were gradually filled with exhibits!

The giant beast area alone, housing animals like elephants and giraffes, occupied a quarter of the zoo's area.

It might be time to consider another expansion for the zoo.

With increasing visitors, the parking lot was often full during weekends and holidays.

After expressing his needs, Mayor Bai laughed, "Your zoo is developing very quickly!"