The Papago Land Avian Research Center project in Lishui, Zhejiang province, is launched on June 28. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The Papago Land Avian Research Center project in Xiandu Scenic Spot in Lishui in East China's Zhejiang province was officially launched on June 28, marking the official start of construction.

Relying on the unique natural scenery and good ecological environment of Xiandu, the project will cover about 11 hectares, with an estimated investment of 60 million yuan ($8.5 million). The plan is to build a parrot-themed parent-child park with the largest scale, most complete varieties and the widest research among similar parks in China.

Design picture of Papago Land. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

"I have been interested in birds since I was a child, and I especially like parrots," said Zhu Jiangbei, founder of the project. "I think parrots are very intelligent. After learning that many species of parrots are now endangered, I decided to fight for the protection of these creatures for the rest of my life."

After finishing eight years of study in the United Kingdom, Zhu returned to her hometown and found that there was no parrot conservation and research work being done.

According to Zhu, the park will have an animal hospital for veterinary training, a breeding center, an ornithological research center and a wildlife rescue center.