Africa finds home in China

Specimens, models of tribal culture donated to shandong museum by us businessman

More than 350 stuffed African wild animal specimens are on permanent free display at Shandong Provincial Museum.

With LED screens and audio equipment, a special hall is decorated like an African savanna to show the specimens.

Some are arranged to present scenes such as animals taking part in a mass migration, a crocodile hiding in grass stalking prey and a leopard resting peacefully on a tree limb.

These specimens were donated by 86-year-old US philanthropist Kenneth E. Behring.

"We want children to really see true animals from Africa. This is education," says Behring.

He says the exhibition will be a venue for children to understand the natural world and inspire them to protect the environment.

"I donated specimens to use museums as platforms in a larger plan to help educate, inspire and develop future generations of public and private sector leaders around the world," Behring says in his biography The Road to Leadership.

In addition to stuffed animal specimens, visitors to the show can see typical tools and accessories used by Africans such as Maasai knives, bracelets and anklets.

Visitors can also understand the life of the donor at the Behring Room and learn more about African wild animals, such as their living environment and habits.

"The specimens have greatly enriched the collections of Shandong Museum.

They show people how a harmonious world works out between human beings and nature, which means a lot to Shandong's cultural development," says Guo Shuqing, the governor of Shandong province.

On behalf of Shandong provincial government, Guo presented Behring with recognition as a Shandong Honorable Citizen at the exhibition's opening ceremony.

zhaoruixue@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily Africa Weekly 11/28/2014 page1)