**In Search of the Guardian of the Deer: A Journey of Dedication and Passion**

This year’s National Day holiday brought an unexpected journey for a group of special visitors to the Lhoka National Nature Reserve in Tibet’s Changdu region. Among them was Zhang Weili, a traveler from Chengdu, Sichuan, who discovered the poignant story of Xiang Qiaolam’s enduring bond with the marals while browsing online. Intrigued by Xiang’s 50 years of devoted care for these deer, Zhang, motivated by curiosity and respect, set out with his companions to Changmaoling Township to meet the Xiang family and witness the marals up close.

The Tibetan maral, a subspecies of elk, is recognized as a nationally protected species. In Tibet, most of the population—which exceeds 8,000—is found in Lhoka County in Changdu and Sangri County in Shannan. Remarkably, over 90% of them reside within the Lhoka National Maral Nature Reserve.

Established in 1993 and granted national status in 2005, the reserve has been under the watchful care of Xiang Qiaolam since its inception. Over the past 51 years, her bond with these deer has deepened profoundly.

What is the story behind this unique relationship between Xiang and her herd of marals? To uncover the depths of this connection, we must look back in time.

Fifty-one years ago, a young Xiang Qiaolam opened her door one night to find three injured fawns waiting outside. Driven by her maternal instincts, she instantly embraced them, nurturing them as if they were her own children. When deer milk wasn’t available, she turned to yak milk for feeding. To keep the fawns warm at night, she slept beside them, caring for them tenderly. Little did she know that this act of kindness would span over half a century.

Upon his arrival at the Lhoka National Maral Nature Reserve, Zhang Weili learned the heartbreaking news that Xiang Qiaolam had unexpectedly passed away in August 2024. Instead, he was warmly greeted by her two sons. Baimazewang, the younger son at 25, and his brother Rinqin Zeppei, both took on their mother’s legacy, now responsible for caring for the marals that come down from the mountains in search of food during the winter months.

Every day, Baimazewang rises early to prepare the feed at the management station and carries it out to the feeding area. As soon as the marals see him, they gather eagerly, waiting to be fed.

“We grew up among these deer; our lives feel intertwined with theirs,” Baimazewang shared. “These marals are family to us; caring for them is like looking after my own relatives.”

“My childhood was spent watching my mother feed the deer, and I learned how to connect with them,” said Rinqin Zeppei. “This place has provided me with not just a job, but with joy. Now, as we continue our mother’s mission, we aim to care for these marals and protect our ecological environment just as she did.”

Alongside Xiang Qiaolam’s sons, Zhang Weili and his group listened to stories about Xiang’s lifelong dedication while touring the reserve. They experienced the joy of feeding the marals and offered monetary support to the brothers.

When local leaders learned of the visitors’ interest in Xiang’s deep connection with the deer, they promptly joined them at the reserve. They shared insights into how the story of the “human-deer bond” has positively impacted infrastructure development, ecological protection, and tourism growth in Changmaoling Township.

“The ecological conservation efforts here are outstanding. To have such a large national maral habitat, along with numerous deer and inspiring stories, is truly remarkable,” Zhang said with enthusiasm.

Qi Mei Duojia, the township’s Party Secretary, highlighted that Changmaoling is committed to strengthening its focus on green development while advancing a modern China, contributing its unique strengths to ecological management.