Failure as the Mother of Success: Reflections on a Wild Hare Rescue Experience
There's a saying that "failure is the mother of success," and that perfectly captures our early experience with rescuing a wild hare. Our first attempt ended in a complete failure, yet it laid the crucial groundwork for what came after.
Before we begin, let me note that this story dates back to 2009 — truly an early chapter in history. At that time, this was the first occasion that proper information about Taiwan's native wild hares entered the circle of domestic rabbit owners. Though some related cases were documented in the records of the Endemic Species Research Institute and in wildlife conservation studies, pet rabbit owners in Taiwan had almost no exposure to such knowledge.
The year 2009 was also when the Taiwan Rabbit Lovers Association had just been established. It was a time of exploration and growth for everyone involved. So when an injured native wild hare suddenly came under the association's care, our volunteers were completely overwhelmed.
Thankfully, under the guidance of Dr. Wang from the Endemic Species Research Institute, we confirmed that the animal was indeed a native species. Dr. Wang carefully taught us the essentials of nursing, pre-release training, habitat scouting, and important considerations for releasing it back into the wild.
However, at that time, the concept of "releasing native wild animals back into their natural habitat" was poorly understood among pet rabbit owners. When we proposed a habitat release plan for the rescued hare, we faced heavy criticism from fellow rabbit enthusiasts and foster caregivers. It took years of communication and education, but eventually, the community began to understand the difference between native wildlife and domesticated pets.
Looking back now, that first painful experience was an invaluable lesson. It not only broadened our understanding of wildlife rescue but also sowed the seeds for better awareness among Taiwan's rabbit community — a small but meaningful leap toward coexistence between humans and nature.
Chacha: The Wild Rabbit That Captivated Pet Owners
The story of Chacha marks the first time the issue of Taiwan's wild rabbits was brought into the community of pet rabbit owners. On December 8, 2009, a volunteer's husband from a rabbit lovers' association discovered a lost baby rabbit while tending to gardening work in his area.
The tiny rabbit, just learning to walk, was hobbling weakly through a patch of grass, seemingly unable to find its mother. Since snakes frequently appeared nearby—shed snake skins and even dead snakes were often found—such an environment posed grave danger to any small animal. A young, helpless rabbit like this wouldn't have survived long on its own, even if it somehow avoided becoming a snack for the lurking predators.
Fearing for the baby rabbit's safety, the volunteer's husband immediately brought it home and handed it over to the rabbit association for medical care and continued nurturing. The little creature was then lovingly named "Chacha."
A Fortunate Encounter: The Story of Cha-Cha the Wild Hare
First Examination – December 9, 2009
By a twist of fate, a wild Taiwanese hare found its way to the Love Rabbit Association. On December 9, 2009, association volunteers brought the young hare, whom they named Cha-Cha, to the National Animal Hospital for an initial health check with Dr. Cheng.
After examining Cha-Cha, Dr. Cheng suggested that the animal was likely a wild hare rather than a domestic rabbit. He recalled that others had previously brought in similar hares, but sadly, none of them had survived in captivity for long. Without their natural environment and maternal care, Taiwanese hares find it extremely difficult to thrive in a human household. Their habits and temperament differ greatly from those of pet rabbits.
Dr. Cheng reminded the volunteers to pay close attention to Cha-Cha's condition. He warned that hypothermia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, convulsions, or even a simple infection could end the fragile creature's life overnight.
Fortunately, Cha-Cha's initial health check showed fairly good results. He was spirited and drank milk heartily, which eased the volunteers' anxious hearts. The little hare weighed only about 100 grams when found, yet his strong will to live gave everyone a glimmer of hope.
Identity Verification: Chacha the Hare
On December 10, 2009, volunteers from the association began an identity verification process for a hare named Chacha. Observations revealed that Chacha's fur color and several physical traits—along with the liveliness and mobility of the young hare—were quite different from those typically seen in domestic rabbits.
Based on initial assessments, there was a possibility that Chacha belonged to the rapidly declining population of the Formosan hare, a native species of Taiwan. While continuing to care for Chacha, the association promptly contacted the Taiwan Endemic Species Research Institute to confirm the species and to discuss the appropriate arrangements for future care and placement.
Record of Volunteer Contact with the Endemic Species Research Center
Date: December 11, 2009 — Identification Verification
Today, Dr. Wang from the Taiwan Endemic Species Research Center called to confirm the identity of an animal in the photos taken by our volunteers. After comparing the photographs and videos with the characteristics documented by the research staff, it was confirmed that the animal observed is most likely a Taiwanese hare, with no issues in identification.
The Taiwanese hare is an endemic subspecies, originally derived from the Chinese hare native to southern China. Over time, due to the geographic isolation created by the Taiwan Strait, it gradually developed unique traits, evolving into the modern Taiwanese hare we recognize today.
Although the Taiwanese hare is not yet classified as an endangered species, recent years have seen concerns about its population. Some religious groups have been purchasing and releasing domestic rabbits and meat rabbits into the wild. This practice has allowed non-native species to encroach upon the natural habitats of the Taiwanese hare, leading to a noticeable decline in sightings. Where the hare was once commonly seen across grasslands and farmlands, it now appears mainly in mid- to low-elevation forest and pasture areas.
Taiwan Hare Care Consultation Report
During a recent phone call, Dr. Wang inquired about the young hare's feeding condition, body length, and weight. Based on the description, Dr. Wang preliminarily assessed that the Taiwan hare, nicknamed "Chacha," is approximately two weeks old. He then provided the volunteers with recommended feeding volumes and schedules.
Dr. Wang also reminded the volunteers of key points regarding the care of Taiwan hares—emphasizing the importance of monitoring feeding behavior and gradually encouraging Chacha to chew on wild grass. This would help the young hare reduce its dependence on milk substitutes.
The association informed Dr. Wang that they were aware the Taiwan hare is a wild species rather than a domestic rabbit. Once Chacha's condition stabilizes, they plan to release it back into the wild. Accordingly, Dr. Wang gave additional guidance on post-care, training, and criteria for release evaluation. (These points are summarized in a separate section.)
During the conversation, Dr. Wang also mentioned an article published by the Endemic Species Research Institute about their past experience caring for a Taiwan hare. Although that particular attempt was unsuccessful due to an intrusion by stray dogs, Dr. Wang still recommended the association locate and review the article to gain useful insights and references for their current efforts.
Emergency Veterinary Visit
Date: December 11, 2009, Evening
Around 8 p.m., the Taiwan hare Chacha suddenly collapsed and began convulsing. Seeing this, a volunteer didn't even wait for the association's car to start—she rushed out of the building barefoot, clutching Chacha in her arms, and ran straight down the street toward the nearest animal hospital.
Fortunately, the director of Hexin Animal Hospital, which was closest to the association, provided immediate and expert emergency care at this critical moment. With a single look, the veterinarian determined that Chacha's seizures were caused by dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. A timely injection was administered to the tiny hare—no larger than half a human palm— which temporarily stabilized her condition.
The needle used was actually longer than Chacha's entire body, a sight that left the volunteers deeply anxious and heartbroken. Still, thanks to the vet's quick response, Chacha's fragile life was held on by a thread that night.
Emergency Care for a Baby Hare
An emergency procedure was performed at the hospital earlier today. The head veterinarian explained that young hares often suffer from dehydration due to excessive warmth. This issue is especially common with infants being fed milk substitutes — if the formula is too concentrated, the intake of water becomes insufficient.
The veterinarian emphasized the importance of keeping a careful balance between warmth and cooling, particularly in recent days when temperatures have been hot during the day and cold at night. In addition to formula feeding, supplemental hydration is also recommended to support recovery.
If the baby hare remains stable over the next three days, it is expected to successfully adapt to life without its mother. Given its very young age, the team is focused on ensuring that the formula feeding provides adequate nutrition and hydration for its fragile condition.
Source: Hospital Director's statement
The Recovery of Taiwan's Wild Hare, Chacha
Date: December 14, 2009
After a grueling 48-hour battle with the threat of death, Taiwan's wild hare Chacha has finally begun to regain the vitality he once had. He is now adapting much better to milk substitutes, drinking eagerly with big gulps. From time to time, he even crawls out of his warm little nest, curiously looking around at the world outside. His eyes have grown brighter and wider, and tiny teeth have started to show—signs that he may soon be ready to start learning to eat on his own.
During this time, Chacha received many thoughtful gifts to help him through the cold winter nights, including several heating packs and a warming lamp kindly donated by Mr. Yan. The love and support from everyone touched the rescue team deeply, reminding them how compassion can help even the smallest lives endure hardship and heal.
Cold Wave Arrives – Volunteers Stay by Bunny Cha-Cha
December 15, 2009
A powerful cold front, the strongest of the year, swept in this evening. As night fell, a chill rain began to fall, and the hours from late night through early morning became the most critical time.
For little wild rabbits that can't sense changes in temperature, venturing out to play in the middle of the night could be dangerous. Volunteers took extra care of "Cha-Cha," a wild rabbit rescued in Taiwan. They tucked four heating pads under the blanket in Cha-Cha's resting spot, but they still couldn't ease their worries completely—the cold wave was simply too intense.
To make sure Cha-Cha stayed safe and warm, one volunteer decided to spend the night at the shelter, keeping watch over the bunny and monitoring its condition throughout the night.
Trying Wheatgrass: Chacha's First Lesson in Eating Naturally
Date: December 17, 2009
Today, our dedicated volunteers began teaching the young Taiwan hare, Chacha, how to eat grass on his own! Since Chacha is a native wild animal that will eventually return to nature, the volunteers decided not to feed him regular baby rabbit pellets or alfalfa. Instead, they wanted to help him adapt to a more natural diet.
After giving Chacha two-thirds of his usual formula, the volunteers placed some fresh wheatgrass sprouts and tender stems they had grown themselves into his enclosure. They wanted to see whether Chacha would nibble on them once he got hungry.
Chacha seemed intrigued by the little blades of wheatgrass and even tried to chew them. However, he couldn't quite manage to bite through or eat much this time. Although today's "taste test" wasn't a success, his attempts to nibble on his own were an encouraging sign. Perhaps in just a few more days, Chacha will be able to feed himself independently!
Cha Cha's Rescue: A Brave Little Formosan Hare
Beginning the Journey of Self-Feeding
The rehabilitation team began teaching Cha Cha, a young Formosan hare, how to feed independently. This was a crucial step in preparing her for eventual release back into the wild, ensuring she could survive without human assistance.
Emergency on December 19, 2009
On December 19, 2009, at around 4 p.m., volunteers preparing to feed Cha Cha discovered her in a state of convulsion. Her body had gone limp, and her condition rapidly deteriorated. Acting quickly, the volunteers rushed her to the animal hospital for emergency treatment.
Diagnosing the Cause
The veterinarian's initial assessment suggested that Cha Cha had suffered from hypothermia due to a strong cold front. The medical team immediately used a warm air blower to restore her body temperature, along with other life-saving procedures to stabilize her condition.
Thanks to the swift response of the volunteers and medical staff, Cha Cha survived the scare. Her resilience became a reminder of the challenges faced by wild animals during rehabilitation—and the care and dedication required to help them recover.
Rescuing Cha-Cha the Wild Hare
Date: December 20, 2009
Today, Taiwan's rescued wild hare, Cha-Cha, suffered another seizure. To protect this fragile little life, the association decided to immediately arrange for Cha-Cha's admission into a special ward at the hospital. With medical staff on duty through the night, Cha-Cha would receive constant attention and timely care in case of any sudden emergencies.
Tonight, the association also discussed whether to transfer Cha-Cha to the Endemic Species Research and Conservation Center for further care, but the plan will require additional coordination before a final decision is made.
Although Cha-Cha seems to have regained some strength and energy after being hospitalized, the weather in the following days has been extremely cold. As a precaution, the association has decided to let Cha-Cha remain in the hospital until the cold wave passes.
In the afternoon, the hospital reported that the little bunny was lively and energetic, drinking milk enthusiastically. Cha-Cha will continue to stay under observation in the hospital for the time being.
Unexpected Injury – January 19, 2010: Little Wild Bunny Cha-Cha Got Hurt
Cha-Cha, a young wild rabbit who had just begun to wean and practice eating grass, was injured in an accident. While exploring, Cha-Cha managed to push open the upper latch of the association's rabbit cage (Note 1). In a burst of energy, the little bunny leapt out and fell from the second stacked layer of the cages (Note 2 and Note 3). Unfortunately, the fall caused one of Cha-Cha's legs to break.
Fortunately, the volunteers discovered the accident quickly. They rushed Cha-Cha to the hospital for emergency treatment, taking X-rays to assess the injury. The medical team administered antibiotics to prevent infection, and provided fluids and nutritional supplements to stabilize the small, fragile patient.
However, because Cha-Cha was still too young, the risk of surgery was judged too high. The veterinarian decided instead to rely on the remarkable self-healing ability of wild rabbits—based on previous successful cases like "Sweetie." For now, the focus would be on stabilizing the injury and closely monitoring Cha-Cha's recovery before considering surgical intervention if necessary.
Note 1: A one-month-old wild rabbit already has far stronger jumping ability than a domestic rabbit of the same age.
Note 2: Later video recordings confirmed that a one-month-old wild rabbit can make vertical jumps of up to 90 centimeters.
Note 3: Some people intentionally misrepresented the incident, falsely claiming Cha-Cha fell from a "second-floor" height. In reality, the cages were simply arranged in two stacked layers.
Malicious Report Incident: Chacha the Wild Rabbit
May 17, 2010 – Taiwan
After the wild rabbit Chacha in Taiwan was accidentally injured, someone filed a report accusing the caretakers of "animal abuse." The person sent this accusation to media outlets such as Next Magazine and Apple Daily, hoping they would investigate and publish a story about the injury.
However, after reporters verified the details and reviewed the care records provided by the association, they confirmed that the accusation was made in bad faith. As a result, they decided not to cover the story.
The journalist even kindly reminded the association to remain cautious — suggesting that the false report might have stemmed from personal grudges or disrupted interests. Later, when the list of complainants was revealed, the suspicion turned out to be unsurprisingly accurate.
Cha-Cha's Recovery and Healing
For a young rabbit, recovering from a bone fracture takes nothing less than time and rest. There are no shortcuts—only careful care and patience while the bones gradually regrow, reconnecting their fragile structure on their own.
After being injured, Taiwan's wild rabbit Cha-Cha was taken in by the animal welfare association to rest and rehabilitate. The recovery has been slow but steady. Unlike humans, wild rabbits cannot simply stay still and "behave" while their injuries heal. Over the long recovery period, Cha-Cha's left leg began to bend and deform as the bone set unevenly, and her right forelimb also formed an unusual posture.
Despite these physical challenges, Cha-Cha has adapted remarkably well. She now moves in her own distinctive, slightly awkward way—hopping, eating grass, and even doing small climbs with her unique stance. Yet, her appearance naturally tugs at the heartstrings of those who care for her.
The volunteers know deep down that releasing her back into the wild may no longer be possible. Still, grown-up Cha-Cha, with her healed yet altered limbs, embodies resilience and quiet strength.
"Cha-Cha, the grown rabbit with mended limbs."
Surgical Evaluation and Future Plans for Cha-Cha the Hare
After nearly six months of recovery, Taiwan's wild hare, Cha-Cha, has grown into a fully matured rabbit. However, as his body lengthened and his limbs became longer, the left hind leg and right forepaw injuries began to interfere with each other. This caused Cha-Cha to sometimes trip over himself or fall onto his side, unable to get back up.
Concerned about these worsening issues, volunteers brought Cha-Cha to an animal hospital for a surgical evaluation. The goal was to see whether surgery could help improve his posture and prevent his limbs from interfering during movement.
X-ray examination revealed the internal condition of Cha-Cha's skeletal structure. The fractured bone in his hind leg had fused, but the sharp angle remaining at the break posed potential risks, especially as his weight increased or when he moved in certain ways. Additionally, misalignment in the pelvic region could affect future urination and defecation, and might eventually prevent him from re-ingesting his cecotropes — a vital behavior for his digestion.
Taking all these factors into account, the veterinary team concluded that a moderate surgical intervention could be worth considering to support Cha-Cha's long-term well-being and quality of life.
Surgery Risk Evaluation for Chacha the Taiwanese Hare
The surgical risks proved to be greater than initially expected. Chacha, a young Taiwanese hare, has a leg bone less than 0.5 cm wide, which makes it unsuitable for fixation using standard surgical bone pins. Using a bone plate as internal support also carries a risk of the junction collapsing, as the smallest available screw is 0.1 cm.
Ultimately, the surgical team will need to open the site and evaluate the situation directly to decide—based on experience—whether to proceed with the treatment or temporarily halt the operation. Considering that young hares typically have stronger bone healing abilities and more resilient growth plates, the surgery should not be delayed until the condition worsens.
Following the assessment, volunteers and the veterinary hospital scheduled the surgery for next week. Chacha will be admitted a day prior to adapt to the environment and undergo preoperative blood tests, including liver and kidney function checks. These evaluations aim to ensure that Chacha is healthy and strong enough to withstand a potentially lengthy operation.
— Surgery risk evaluation report for Chacha
Project Update: Mid- to Long-Term Care Plan for Chacha
Following today's examination, the attending veterinarian concluded that it is impossible for Chacha, the Formosan hare, to make a full recovery. As a result, the association's original plan for releasing her back into the wild must be permanently discontinued.
If the upcoming surgery is successful and Chacha regains enough ability for basic self-care, the association will shift its focus toward a mid- to long-term care program. This plan will include continuous observation and documentation of Chacha's behavior and adaptation over time.
In the unfortunate event that complications arise during surgery and Chacha's condition worsens, the association will take full responsibility for providing all necessary aftercare.
Cha-Cha Surgery Report
Due to additional adjustments and a more cautious evaluation process, the surgery for Taiwan's wild rabbit, Cha-Cha, was postponed from the originally scheduled Tuesday (May 11, 2010) to Wednesday (May 12, 2010).
On Wednesday morning, four volunteers from the association visited the hospital to listen to the doctor's pre-surgery briefing and assessment. Because the operation was expected to take a long time, the volunteers decided not to stay at the hospital to avoid adding any extra pressure on the doctors.
After expressing their appreciation and asking the director to take special care, the volunteers temporarily left the hospital and waited quietly at a nearby café. While waiting, they handled some association work and patiently awaited updates from the hospital about Cha-Cha's condition.
Cha-Cha's Surgery Update
At 7:30 p.m., the doctor called to inform us that the surgery had been completed. The operation began with an incision on the left leg of Cha-Cha, the wild rabbit from Taiwan. Once opened, the damage to the tissue and bone turned out to be far more complicated than what the X-rays had shown. Much of the time was spent carefully cleaning and separating the tangled and misaligned bone structures.
After that, the doctor used a bone plate and screws to reconnect the fractured section of the left thigh bone. The surrounding muscle tissue and bone marrow were gradually reattached, layer by layer, before the wound was finally stitched closed. A detailed record of the procedure follows—graphic content has been processed with color-scale separation to reduce its intensity.
The doctor reported that after waking up, Cha-Cha was already excitedly trying to use his left foot. This reaction is both encouraging and concerning. In terms of surgical skill and immediate results, the operation was successful. However, the real challenge lies in recovery. Cha-Cha's strong desire to hop and climb—despite the limited space, gentle restraints, and soft bedding—poses a significant risk to the healing process.
Note: For now, rest and careful monitoring are crucial. Full recovery will depend on keeping Cha-Cha calm and preventing him from overusing his injured leg too soon.
Volunteer Visit to Cha-Cha the Formosan Hare
On May 24, 2010, our volunteers visited Cha-Cha, a lively Formosan hare currently recovering from surgery. Known for her energetic personality, Cha-Cha becomes excited at even the slightest noise or sight of people, often trying to climb or jump in response.
During observation, volunteers noticed that the movements and posture of Cha-Cha's legs suggested a possible issue with loosened screws in her recovery hardware. To ensure her continued healing, the veterinarian has scheduled regular X-ray examinations to monitor the stability of her bone plate.
Despite the concerns, Cha-Cha's spirited behavior and eagerness remain strong, showing her resilience as she continues her postoperative recovery.
Bone Plate Collapse and Emergency Treatment
On the afternoon of May 26, 2010, the doctor urgently called to report a serious situation. The bone plate that had been implanted during Cha-Cha's surgery could no longer withstand the active little wild rabbit's strong jumping movements. The originally stabilized hind leg began showing unusual postures and movements again.
After an X-ray examination, it was confirmed that the bone plate had collapsed and needed to be removed immediately through emergency surgery. This procedure was necessary to prevent the loosened screws and fractured bone fragments from injuring nearby nerves or arteries.
Thanks to the swift medical response and attentive follow-up care, Cha-Cha's safety was protected in time. The incident highlights how delicate post-surgical care must be, especially for lively animals eager to resume their natural activities.
Cha-Cha's Emergency Surgery
When the association's volunteers rushed to the hospital that evening, the doctors had already completed an emergency operation. They removed a bone plate, screws, and several fragments of shattered bone. Unfortunately, since there was no remaining structure strong enough to support Cha-Cha the Taiwanese hare's leg bone, the surgeons could only use metal pins to temporarily hold it in place.
These pins provided only a basic connection between the upper and lower sections of the leg. They could not prevent twisting or rotational stress caused by Cha-Cha's movements or attempts to stand, making this setup merely a temporary measure.
The broken bones had also damaged surrounding muscles and blood vessels. Beyond the emergency procedures during surgery, further care involving antibiotics and pain relief medications was needed to manage infection and discomfort.
After the sudden collapse of the bone plate, the previously well-recovering Cha-Cha became extremely weak. She now lies quietly in her hospital room, struggling to breathe, while the volunteers watch helplessly—heartbroken by her condition.
Surgery Failed, Project Ended
On June 1, 2010, the hospital informed us that the Formosan hare "Chacha" had quietly passed away in the ward. With that news, this project was officially declared a failure — a complete and irreversible one. It was a heartbreaking lesson, reminding us how fragile hope can be when faced with the limits of medicine and nature.
The association feels deep regret for having let down all those who once offered their support and encouragement. For the volunteers who had spent many sleepless days and nights commuting back and forth to the hospital, caring for Chacha around the clock, the pain of this ending remains difficult to come to terms with.
Was the decision to release Chacha back into the wild a mistake? Looking back now, perhaps it was — at least from the perspective of the final outcome. Yet every effort was born out of genuine care and the belief that Chacha deserved a chance at freedom. This experience, though tragic, became a sober reminder of the weight every choice carries in conservation work and animal rescue.
Bringing Chacha Home
After a brief discussion, the association's project volunteers decided to cremate the Taiwanese hare named Chacha and take its ashes to be peacefully buried in Chacha's original native habitat in northern Taiwan. For Chacha, in a sense, this would be a long-awaited journey home.
According to historical records, Cuicui Valley in Yangmingshan is one of the most ecologically complete protected areas for wild Taiwanese hares in northern Taiwan. Entry to the valley requires official approval from the national park administration, making it inaccessible to the general public. A typical round trip through Cuicui Valley takes about four hours. Signs of human disturbance are minimal, and even the routes are not official hiking trails but paths naturally formed by the movements of wild animals—so-called "cow trails."
In that tranquil and untouched corner of nature, Chacha can finally rest without human interference, surrounded by other wild hares. For the volunteers, this was the last and most heartfelt thing they could do for Chacha—helping it return home.
Project Review: Lessons from the Taiwan Wild Hare Incident
The incident involving the Taiwan wild hare has offered volunteers a powerful reminder: when dealing with the lives of small animals, we must approach every action with humility and caution. Each life, no matter how small, is a complete and independent being deserving of respect and care.
Past successes in animal rescue or rehabilitation should never become a source of pride or overconfidence. Every case is unique, and assuming the same methods will always work risks overlooking the individuality of each creature. Confidence is valuable, but humility safeguards life.
When the fate of a small life rests in the hands of volunteers, every decision carries weight. Moving forward, each thought, plan, and action must be taken with even greater care and reflection. Only through such mindfulness can we truly honor the lives entrusted to us.
(End of Project)
Project Reflection
Supplement added on March 1, 2023:
After many years, our volunteers revisited and reorganized this project. Although it ultimately ended in failure, the process itself offered invaluable lessons. During execution, our volunteers gained a wealth of practical experience that could never have been learned purely from online knowledge. Most importantly, they deepened their understanding of the hands-on care process involved.
The final phase—accompanying the Formosan hare, Chacha, in search of suitable natural habitats—was in itself a humbling experience, a way of learning directly from nature. As the saying goes, "Failure is the mother of success." This experience became the cornerstone for how our Rabbit Association later managed wild hare rescue cases.
From that foundation came a series of follow-up efforts: commissioned releases of Hares No. 2, 3, 4, and 6; the rescue of the little hare from Hengshan; the recent successful rehabilitation and release of Hare No. 8 under full association care; and even the emergency foster nursing of Hare No. 12. All of it began with Chacha's story.
