# Miracle in a Desperate Drought: 1,000 Black Bison's Water of Life
My name is Li Ming, I am 35 years old, and I am a staff member at a wildlife conservation station. Born into a herder family in Inner Mongolia, I grew up with a deep affection for the savannah and wildlife. After graduating from university, I decided to return to my hometown and join the wildlife conservation team.
Recently, we have encountered an unprecedented challenge. The ongoing drought has made water increasingly scarce in the grasslands, and a herd of about 1,000 black bison is in danger of dying of thirst. As a member of the station, I feel a great responsibility to find a way to save these rare animals.
Just when we were at our wit's end, a watermill came along and changed the situation completely. The scene at that time still makes my blood boil when I think about it to this day.
That morning, my colleagues and I toured the grasslands as usual. In the distance, we heard the muffled sound of a cow's cry, and we followed it, and the sight was heartbreaking.
Thousands of black bison gathered together, some too weak to stand up, others rolling on the ground, wailing in pain. Their eyes have lost their former sparkle, their lips are chapped, and their tongues are sticking out, a sign of severe dehydration.
"Oh my God, if they continue like this, they're going to die of thirst!" My colleague Xiao Wang exclaimed.
We were anxious like ants on a hot pot, looking around for possible water sources, but the nearby creek had long since dried up, and the pond was left with cracked dirt.
At this moment, a roar was heard in the distance. We looked up and couldn't believe our eyes – a huge watermill was coming our way!
It turned out that the local government heard about the situation here and urgently dispatched a water truck to the rescue. The moment I saw the waterwheel, I was so excited that I almost cried.
"Quick, get the water out!" I yelled at the watermill driver.
As the valve opens, clear water pours out. I will never forget that scene in my life.
Herds of black bison seem to sense the hope of life and rush to the water source. They scramble to stick their heads into the current, greedily sucking on the precious liquid. Some frail cows even lie directly in the water and let the water flow through their bodies.
I saw a cow gently pushing her cub to let it drink first. There were also a few strong bulls who actually took the initiative to give up their positions and let their weaker companions quench their thirst first. This scene made me deeply feel the tenacity of life and the mutual help between animals.
The arrival of the watermill was like a timely rain, bringing hope to this parched land. The black bison drank enough water and began to become active. They run happily and make cheerful calls, as if celebrating the aftermath of the catastrophe.
Looking at all this, my heart is full of emotion and relief. As a wildlife conservationist, there's nothing more gratifying than seeing an endangered animal come back to life.
But we know that this is only a temporary solution. How to provide a stable source of water for wildlife in the face of persistent drought has become a new challenge.
After discussions, we decided to drill several deep wells nearby and build a long-term water supply system. It takes a lot of manpower and material resources, but for the survival of these rare animals, everything is worth it.
This experience strengthened my determination to protect wildlife. We humans and nature are inseparable, and to protect these creatures is to protect our common home.
When I think back to that day, I still feel invigorated. A watermill has saved thousands of lives. This is not only a miracle, but also a beautiful example of the harmony between man and nature.
I believe that as long as each of us has a more sense of responsibility and a greater respect for nature, we can create more miracles and make this world a better place.
As a wildlife conservationist, I will continue to stick to this grassland and protect these beautiful creatures. Because I know it's not just a job, it's a calling.