Our innovative solutions help rescued raptors beat the summer heat

At IFAW’s Beijing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC), our dedicated rehabilitators have devised creative solutions to help more than 70 raptors in their care—including a northern eagle owl, peregrine falcon, and Chinese goshawk, plus a flock of common kestrels—beat the scorching summer heat by designing a series of innovative devices and environments. 

In order to provide the raptors with a cool and comfortable atmosphere, the rehabilitators have laid out sunshade nets on top of their outdoor enclosures to block out the blazing sun. 

They also installed spray devices on the top of each outdoor enclosure so the raptors can feel a cool mist, similar to one produced by a forest waterfall. Shelters within the enclosures allow the raptors to choose whether they want to shower in the artificial rain or relax in the shade. 

Small water basins in the outdoor enclosures give the raptors the opportunity to drink, bath, and play. The design of these basins is inspired by shallow ponds found in the birds’ natural habitats.  

In their indoor environment, the rehabilitators have made improvements to the doors by using ventilated panels in conjunction with the windows to create a flowing breeze. This downward-facing ventilation keeps the birds’ talons from getting caught, and it’s easy to clean. Not only does it keep the indoor air well-ventilated, but it lets the raptors experience the gentle winds of the natural world. This is helping the common kestrel and the Chinese goshawk, who were recently brought into the indoor rooms in poor health due to heavy rainstorms, regain their strength in a more comfortable environment. 

With these meticulously designed measures, the rehabilitators hope to provide the raptors with an environment at BRRC that closely resembles their wild habitat. By doing so, when they recover and prepare to return to the wild, the birds will face fewer challenges in adapting and developing sufficient survival skills. By carefully considering every design detail and feature of the Center, the rehabilitators strive to help these injured raptors recover and someday thrive again in the wild.