The KFBG Wild Animal Rescue Centre (Rescue Centre) was established in 1994 and is the only private wildlife rescue centre in Hong Kong, operating under a special licence from the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

In its early days the Rescue Centre dealt mainly with birds of prey, gradually it developed to handle over 100 species of reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. On 12th September 2016, the 40,000th animal was admitted to the Rescue Centre. The special case was an Asian Barred Owlet (Glaucidium cuculoides) which was rescued by the AFCD in Fanling. The owl recovered well from minor injuries, probably related to an in-flight impact, and was considered fit to go.

The Asian Barred Owlet was under observation at the Rescue Centre

The Rescue Team successfully released the owl on 25th October. It flew well, darting into a nearby patch of woodland, and flying up to perch on a branch apparently unaware of its special rescue status!

The owl being released toward woodland

We have had a busy year at the Rescue Centre and within two weeks of reaching this landmark number, we had already surpassed 40,100 total animals received.  Many of the rescued animals have been successfully rehabilitated and released, re-homed to suitable long-term facilities overseas, or repatriated to their country of origin.

The Rescue Team will continue its valuable work saving local wild species and exotic animals that have been seized from the illegal trade.

Our next landmark achievement will be to have rescued 50,000 animals, this should be about five years away, hopefully longer if significant progress is made in combating the illegal wildlife trade!