You graduated from the Sichuan University College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, and got a good job in the Municipal Government of Chongqing. Why did you give up a comfortable life and decide to work in wild animal protection?

When I was about eight or nine, the animated film Jungle Emperor sparked my interest in lions. Ever since then I have dreamed of staying with lions. I was delighted to have an opportunity to work in Africa where my childhood dream was finally realized. Everything was just as I imagined, and I was determined to stay after I first laid eyes on the continent.

But it was a hard decision. Going to Africa meant that I had to give up a well-paid and stable job, which also gave me a lot of time to spend with my family. But I never regret it. Life is short. And we should all have a dream, be persistent and follow it, and do whatever it takes to realize it. This is the true meaning of life, in my opinion. Under my influence, my daughter grew to love animals and is concerned about animal protection.

What difficulties did you encounter while working in Africa?

In September 2011, I led the establishment of a wild animal protection fund, hoping to add another Chinese voice to international society and to help endangered wildlife through my actions. Our footprints can be found nearly every place where lions live. Our responsibilities are to jointly work with Kenyan Government, the reserve zone and wildlife researchers in an effort to stamp out illegal poaching and grazing, study lions' habits, rescue wounded and endangered wildlife and increase public awareness of wildlife protection.

But in the beginning, we encountered unexpected misunderstandings. Westerners dominated local wildlife protection efforts. In their eyes, Chinese never care about such causes. They thought Chinese people basically eat all kinds of animals and even buy ivory or rhino horns. But the misunderstanding was cleared up as they learned more about us.

Do you have any plans to promote the cause of wildlife protection in China?

In fact, I have been considering involving more Chinese who are also interested in this cause. It will be a long-term undertaking as Chinese society's concept of public good revolves around helping people, and people haven't come to realize that environmental and wildlife protection are part of the cause. As a matter of fact, environmental protection is a top priority, and the basis for sustainable development. The earth is overburdened with 7 billion people. Once the environment is polluted, resulting in ecological collapse, humans will no longer exist, let alone live comfortable lives.

I am planning to set up some nature reserve zones in China, drawing on my experience at Maasai Mara National Reserve. These zones will enable Chinese children to re-embrace white clouds up high in the clear sky and to help them develop an awareness of wildlife protection while they are young.

How have your feelings toward Africa changed over the years?

Africa is like a second home to me. I am used to the endless grassland and the African night sky, with its bright moon and countless stars. There is normally no poaching during the rainy season, so that is when I come back China to spend time with my family and give lectures on wildlife protection around cities to promote the public awareness. But I get sick every time I come back to China, maybe because I have become accustomed to life and the climate in Africa. I also miss the grasslands, even after only a few days.

Life is simple and full of happiness with wild animals. In some people's eyes, they are dangerous. But in fact, animals are only protecting themselves by keeping their distance from humans when they read hostility in a human's eyes. When I patrolled the grassland in Kenya, lions often walked around our car, greeted us, and even slept nearby. To some extent, they are like family to me.