Beijing has set up its first wildlife protection center, according to Xinhua today.

The center aims to provide a safe haven for Chinese wild animals and a breeding program for endangered species.

China is home to many endangered species, such as the giant panda and Tibetan antelope.

With increasing public awareness of the importance of saving these animals from extinction, more people are saying they need professional advice on how to deal with wild animals.

Head of the protection center, Zhang Zhiming, says they have set up a hotline so that people can access such information when they need help.

"If anyone finds a wild animals, they can contact us. We will go and collect the animal, and release it back into the wild after treating its wounds." Zhang said.

(CRI.com December 9, 2005)