On 20 February, during the Spring Festival celebrations in Beijing, a local resident encountered an injured common kestrel near White Stupa Temple in the Xicheng District, close to the Forbidden City. The bird had become trapped in rodent glue, leaving it completely immobilised with its feathers stuck and unable to fly. Glue traps pose a serious threat to birds of prey, often causing severe feather damage, dehydration, shock, and exhaustion, and without timely professional intervention, survival chances are typically very low.
Instead of attempting to rescue the bird alone, the resident sought guidance from Doubao, an AI-powered support platform. The platform provided practical instructions on how to safely handle the situation, advising the individual to keep a safe distance, avoid feeding or releasing the bird, and place it gently in a ventilated box to reduce stress. It also highlighted that raptors are nationally protected species in China and recommended contacting licensed wildlife professionals. The platform directed the rescuer to the IFAW Beijing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC), enabling the bird to be transferred to professional care the following day.
When the kestrel arrived at the rescue center, rehabilitators recorded its weight at 180 grams and observed adhesive residue on its feathers along with signs of physical struggle. Although the bird showed signs of weakness, mild dehydration, and a minor injury to the cere along with a slight abnormality in one toe, no fractures were detected. The veterinary team immediately administered fluids to stabilise the kestrel and decided to monitor its condition carefully rather than force-feed it. Blood tests conducted the following day showed normal results, and medication was provided to relieve inflammation and discomfort.
Over the following days, the kestrel gradually began to recover. By 22 February, it was able to stand more steadily and started eating on its own. As its condition improved, medication was discontinued and the rehabilitation team focused on monitoring the bird’s recovery and treating the remaining adhesive on its feathers. Because glue damage takes time to resolve, the bird’s release will require further recovery to ensure its feathers regain full function.
The rescue highlights the ecological importance of birds of prey such as kestrels, which play a vital role in maintaining balance in urban ecosystems by controlling rodent populations. It also demonstrates how access to accurate information at the right moment can make a crucial difference in wildlife rescue efforts. While technology cannot replace professional wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary care, it can guide people toward responsible actions and help connect injured animals with trained specialists more quickly.
The incident also showed the potential of AI tools to provide clear and responsible guidance during wildlife emergencies. By advising the rescuer to minimise stress to the animal and contact licensed professionals, the platform helped ensure that the kestrel received timely and appropriate care. In wildlife rescue situations, quick decisions and reliable information can significantly improve outcomes, as demonstrated by this successful intervention.
