Raptors are essential for maintaining ecological balance by keeping other animal populations in check. The Beijing Raptor Rescue Center, a collaboration between the International Fund for Animal Welfare and Beijing Normal University and authorized by the Beijing authorities, serves as a dedicated sanctuary for these birds of prey. Since its inception in 2001, the center has successfully rescued 5,825 raptors as of June 2023.
In response to increasingly intense heat waves, the center has implemented innovative measures to help injured raptors adapt. Sub-adult common kestrels and eagle owls benefit from outdoor sprinkler systems and water basins that provide cooling and help clean their feathers. Additionally, rehabilitation specialists ensure the birds receive nutritious food, including bee pupae in pine cones, to boost their strength and immunity. These comprehensive efforts enable the raptors to better withstand extreme temperatures and return to the wild healthier than before.
Reference(s):
Live: Guardians of wings – How raptors adapt to heat waves – Ep. 3
cgtn.com
