Bridging the Gap in Wildlife Rehabilitation

At Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), Wildlife Rehabilitation Officer Bibi Wan walks quietly through a series of animal enclosures. Here, each creature—whether an injured dove or a displaced crocodile—is treated as a patient. "We don't treat these animals like pets," Bibi shares. "Our goal is to help them regain their natural instincts so they can live independently in their suitable habitats."

"I do this work because I wanted to contribute on a larger scale—helping where no one else was focusing."

Written by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos by: Raymond Chan

Bibi's work at KFBG is not just about healing individual animals—it's about reshaping the way urban residents view and interact with wildlife. Despite the region's dense development, KFBG is on the frontline of an ambitious mission to educate the community, creating awareness that Hong Kong's natural spaces and their inhabitants are not obstacles to urban life but essential parts of a sustainable future. For all staff a key role under the KFBG Mission is to help connect or re-connect citizens to nature.

From Vet Assistant to Wildlife Protector

Bibi's journey to wildlife conservation and animal rescue began in an unexpected place: a veterinary clinic. "Actually, before I started here, I wasn't even aware of wildlife issues. And, I was totally only a dog and cat person," she reflects on how much she has changed since then. As a vet assistant, she spent her early years working with domestic animals only, but something always pulled her toward the outdoors. "I loved working with animals, but I wanted to make a larger impact," Bibi reflects.

When she joined KFBG's wild animal rescue center over a decade ago, her path changed. The transition demanded more than just applying her clinical skills—it required a complete shift in perspective. She began immersing herself in the natural world, "doing bird watching, searching for wild animals, even on my days off." What started as curiosity grew into fascination, leading her to discover her true calling in wildlife rehabilitation.

It wasn't easy, and Bibi quickly learned that the skills she developed in the clinic were both a blessing and a challenge. "In a clinic, you form bonds with the animals you care for, but here it's different," she explains. Working with wildlife at KFBG demands a balance between empathy and professional distance. Treating wild animals as patients, not pets, means limiting human interaction as much as possible to help them retain the skills they'll need to survive independently.

"We're not just treating them; we're giving them back their freedom." The impact of her work extends beyond the animals she rehabilitates. In Hong Kong, where urban spaces and nature remain starkly separated, Bibi sees her work as part of a larger mission to educate the community about the local environment. "People often think helping wildlife is just about feeding them or caring for them in captivity," she says, "but true conservation is about restoring the balance in nature." Bibi's role involves connecting the public to this concept and helping residents understand that Hong Kong's biodiversity is something to protect and nurture, not something to fear or domesticate.

Tackling Urbanization's Impact on Wildlife

In Hong Kong, where nearly 40% of land is designated as natural parks, there's a unique dynamic between urban and natural spaces. "People in Hong Kong sometimes view nature as something separate from urban life, but wildlife doesn't see boundaries the same way we do," Bibi says. She pauses and opens up one of the enclosures to show us a dove injured by a window collision.

Dr. Gary Ades, head of KFBG's Fauna Conservation Department, explains that their approach involves promoting "animal-friendly structures and features in the urban environment" to the public. These solutions range from practical modifications like "fences that deer and boar don't get stuck in" to innovative features that help "animals exit from steep drains and water catchments." Many of these interventions are remarkably simple yet effective. "Dot patterns on windows so birds see the window before they collide, and ramps in water catchments so animals can walk out are two practical examples," Dr. Ades notes.

"One of the important functions related to wildlife rehabilitation is an awareness regarding some of the obstacles that threaten wildlife," Dr. Ades explains. We collect and share data with relevant authorities when we identify issues like window strikes or glue traps. We also share messages on social media so that the public is also aware. The monitoring extends to critical species—when birds like black-faced spoonbills arrive at their facility, it can signal broader environmental concerns that require immediate action as such species are already endangered in the wild.

"We also help to conserve areas under threat by carrying out rapid ecological surveys to see what animals and plants would be threatened by development," Dr. Ades shares. "We help by making this information available to the public and Government who can then consider whether areas require further protection considerations and further study."

Bibi and Dr. Ades' broader vision is that their work builds a Hong Kong where humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously. By raising awareness of these hidden dangers, they hope to foster a culture where residents are mindful of the wildlife around them. "People can make small adjustments in their homes and neighborhoods," Bibi shares, "like putting dot stickers on their windows or just being careful not to leave harmful materials outside."

The Emotional Labor of Rehabilitation

Working in wildlife rehabilitation brings unique emotional challenges. Every animal they treat has a story—often one of injury, fear, or displacement. Yet, the nature of their work demands a careful balance between empathy and professional detachment. "It's not always easy," Bibi admits. "We care deeply about these animals, but to do our job well, we have to keep that professional distance."

The philosophy at KFBG, rooted in treating animals as patients rather than pets, is essential to maintaining this balance. Bibi explains that treating wild animals as "patients, not pets" reinforces the importance of helping animals retain their natural instincts. By minimizing human contact and ensuring that enclosures provide a space where animals can "hide and not see anybody unless it requires follow-up rehab care," KFBG creates an environment that allows animals to regain their autonomy before release. "In some cases, food is placed through a hatch, or gloves are worn by the staff," Dr. Ades notes, "sometimes with an animal feature like a bird face" to prevent animals from associating with humans. This approach helps maintain the animal's natural behavior, which is essential for their survival upon return to the wild.

However, the emotional toll remains. There are moments of heartache, especially when an animal doesn't make it. In these times, Bibi and her team rely on one another, finding comfort and encouragement within their small community of dedicated caregivers. "We've cried for some of our patients," she says, reflecting on the inevitable losses. However, with each setback comes a drive to improve, to find new methods, or to refine existing practices that might make the next case more successful.

Through it all, Bibi has found resilience in focusing on the greater mission: empowering these animals to live independently. "We're here to give them a second chance," she shares. "Knowing we're doing everything possible for them is what keeps us going."

How Readers Can Support Conservation Efforts

For many of us, the idea of helping wildlife might seem daunting, but Bibi Wan believes that anyone can make a difference, no matter how small their actions seem. "Conservation isn't just about grand gestures or working with animals directly," she says. "It's about making thoughtful choices that contribute to a healthier environment for all living things."

For those looking to do more, Bibi recommends following and sharing the work of conservation organizations on social media. "Just sharing a post can open someone's eyes to an issue they didn't know existed," she notes, emphasizing that awareness is a powerful tool in promoting change. This simple act can contribute to a ripple effect, inspiring more people to take part in conservation efforts. Volunteering is another impactful way to contribute. KFBG, for example, regularly welcomes volunteers who support its conservation and educational programs. Bibi points out that being involved, even for a short time, can provide invaluable insight into the needs of local wildlife and the practical steps needed to protect it.

As Bibi reminds us: "Actions don't have to be big to matter. Every step counts toward building a better, safer world for animals and people alike."