Jean, the Buffalo Whisperer
Lantau Island in Hong Kong is well known for being home to some of the highest mountain peaks in Hong Kong, along with serene beautiful villages, and long stretches of unexplored beaches.
It is also home to a large herd of water buffaloes and cows, which would have become extinct if were not for Jean Leung.
72-year-old Jean Leung, locally known as has the “Buffalo Whisperer”, has taken the role of guardian angel of these water buffaloes. Every morning we see Jean wake up early and set off in her car with large bales of hay and sufficient medical supplies.
She drives down the coast of South Lantau to feed them and take care of their medical needs. She has been doing this single-handedly for 17 years using her own resources.
I spent a few hours in Jean’s company and asked her “What makes you do this?”
She replied, “17 years ago, somebody dropped off an injured buffalo on my doorstep and ask me took care for her. As I tended her back to health, I realized they were loving and beautiful creatures, and highly misunderstood. I wanted to give them a voice.”
Jean tirelessly works with government agencies and local residents to highlight the needs of the water buffaloes, and make sure they are protected and well taken care of.
I was lucky to see her interact with 9-year old Gugo-Gugo (哥哥) who followed Jean like a puppy and allowed her to tend to his wounds with complete trust.
Let’s meet the buffalo whisperer – Ms. Jean Leung
Jean is a living example of how we can make a difference. All it takes is empathy, love and self beliefs. Thank you Jean.
Happy International Women’s Day and Women’s Month to everybody.
