Playful and endearing, the Yangtze finless porpoise is often called the "panda of the water." Recently, in the Sanjiangying section of the Yangtze near Yangzhou, these creatures have been putting on quite a show. Monitors have repeatedly spotted them frolicking in groups—and even captured a breathtaking moment: five porpoises surfacing together in one frame.

On the wide river, one led the way, four followed close behind, arcing out of the water and diving back with effortless grace. According to the survey team, spotting one or two is common, three is a treat, but five? That takes equal parts luck and patience. They will continue to track population changes and gather vital data for conservation efforts.

As the head of the Yangzhou Finless Porpoise Protection Association puts it, these animals are highly sensitive to water quality and habitat conditions—they're essentially a living barometer of the Yangtze's ecological health. Over the past decade, their numbers in this area have risen noticeably. Their growing presence is strong evidence that these waters have become a key haven for feeding and thriving.