Amid the sweltering heat waves sweeping across Beijing, a group of dedicated specialists at the Beijing Raptor Rescue Center are working tirelessly to help injured birds of prey adapt and survive. Since its establishment in 2001, the center has been a sanctuary for raptors, rescuing and rehabilitating 5,825 birds as of June 2023.
The center, co-established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and Beijing Normal University, and authorized by the Beijing authorities, serves as a lifeline for these majestic creatures that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Raptors, such as common kestrels and eagle owls, are natural predators that help control populations of other animals, contributing to a healthy environment.
As temperatures soar, the challenge of nurturing these birds back to health becomes even more complex. To combat the intense heat, the rehabilitation team has implemented creative solutions. Outdoor sprinkler systems and water basins have become a favorite spot for sub-adult kestrels and eagle owls to cool down and clean their feathers.
“Providing a comfortable environment is essential for their recovery,” says a rehabilitation specialist at the center. “The sprinklers and water basins help regulate their body temperature and keep their feathers in good condition.”
Nutritional support is another critical aspect of their care. The specialists offer ample food, including bee pupae tucked inside pine cones, to enhance the raptors’ strength and immunity. This not only ensures they receive necessary nutrients but also stimulates their natural hunting instincts.
The efforts of the Beijing Raptor Rescue Center highlight the importance of wildlife conservation amidst changing environmental conditions. By helping these guardians of the skies adapt to extreme weather, the center is playing a vital role in preserving biodiversity and ecological health.
“Every raptor we release back into the wild is a step toward maintaining ecological balance,” the specialist adds. “Their survival is intertwined with ours.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
