Over 1,100 large wild animals were released into forested land on the outskirts of Yichang City, central China's Hubei Province, Friday afternoon.

The animals, including 50 tigers, 20 lions and 30 black bears, were transported to the city from Guilin, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in south China, after a journey of over 1,200 km.

Three Gorges Forest Wildlife World, covering 400,000 square meters, is jointly operated by Three Gorges Botanical Garden of Yichang City Bureau of Forestry and a Hong Kong-based group at a cost of 120 million yuan (14.46 million US dollars).

The wildlife world is separated from the Three Gorges Botanical Garden, which covers over 5 million square meters. It has five special zones for animal propagation, survival training, rescue, entertainment, and performances.

The wildlife world will be opened to visitors from September 28, said Yichang City Bureau of Forestry.

Yichang is the nearest city to the Three Gorges Project, which is being built on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Construction of the water control project requires relocation of about 1.2 million residents.

(China Daily September 23, 2002)