China's first zoo where various animals are kept together in the same enclosure opened here Wedsesday.

Covering an area of 240 hectares, the zoo in the southern suburbs of Beijing hosts over 200 kinds of rare animals, numbering over 10,000 in total.

Zoo-keeper Du Xuefeng said, "Only a few of zoos in the world have put natural enemies such as wolves and porcupines, bears and deer in the same open area. Fighting between predators and their prey may present a strong visual impact to visitors."

"However, we try to avoid intense fights by controlling the frequencies and the exact amounts of feeding. Their mutual hostility maintained, the beasts can fight at a moderate intensity to keep fit."

Wolves and porcupines, bears and deer have been living together for two months in the open area. Although the animals have not lived peacefully, no casualties have occurred.

With a total investment of 250 million yuan, the zoo has opened dozens of exhibition zones for visitors either in cars or on foot.

In addition to daily activities such as animal feedings and performances, the zoo workers are engaged in researches on animal protection and genes.

(Xinhua 08/08/2001)