Angelique Kerber, German professional tennis player who is currently ranked world No. 1 in women’s singles tennis by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), paid a visit to Baiji Dolphinarium which is the breeding center for the endangered Yangtze finless porpoises at Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB) on Sept. 26, 2016.    

Kerber first visited the breeding hall inside the Dolphinarium where she learned about the living status of the Yangtze finless porpoises from Dr. HAO Yujiang. Guided by the trainers, Kerber walked to the platform in the middle of the pool and played with the lovely porpoises. She shook hands with the porpoise and touched its forehead. The porpoises welcomed the new guest with different gestures.    

At the invitation of IHB, Kerber signed her name for the gym at the institute. ZHAO Jindong, director of IHB, gave Kerber a commemorative envelop with the Chinese characters “Protecting the Yangtze finless porpoises” written by himself on it. HU Zhengyu, deputy director of IHB, gave her a coffee mug with the design of a smiling porpoise. Kerber then signed her name on the background wall of the porpoise and took photos with IHB researchers and volunteers. 
  

Angelique Kerber signed her name for the gym at IHB.

ZHAO Jindong, director of IHB, gave Kerber a commemorative envelop with the Chinese characters “Protecting the Yangtze finless porpoises” written by himself on it.

HU Zhengyu, deputy director of IHB, gave Kerber a coffee mug with the design of a smiling porpoise on it.

Kerber signed her name on the background wall of the porpoise and took photos with IHB researchers and volunteers.