Small-toothed Ferret Badger (Melogale moschata)

A juvenile Ferret Badger was found in Sai Kung on 11 September 2015 in a weak condition. It was rescued by the SPCA and passed to the Wild Animal Rescue Centre (Rescue Centre) on the same day. Although the Ferret Badger was stressed and dehydrated on arrival, it did not have any obvious injuries. It received care and rehabilitation at the Rescue Centre until it fully recovered. On 26 November, the Ferret Badger was released on the KFBG hillside.

The Ferret Badger has an elongated nose with an excellent sense of smell which it uses to search for food in the soil and sharp claws for digging. It is widespread in Hong Kong, but sightings of this animal are not frequently reported. This may be due to its nocturnal habits and hiding behaviour.
 

Oriental Scops Owl (Otus sunia)

This small (19cm) migratory owl arrived at the Rescue Centre on 16 November. The Oriental Scops Owl which visits the territory in winter and feeds on insects and small rodents, was found in Yuen Long. It was rescued by the SPCA and delivered to KFBG. On arrival, an injury was detected on its left eye and it had falconry jesses (leather cords) attached to both legs, suggesting that it had been kept in captivity at least for a short period.

After almost 3 weeks of rehabilitation the owl recovered well and was able to feed by itself. A decision was made to release it back to the wild in woodland at KFBG on 2 December.
 

Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)

A juvenile Crested Serpent Eagle was discovered stray at a kindergarten in Kowloon Bay on 28 November 2015, and passed to the Rescue Centre. Its condition was good on arrival with no serious injuries, though the bird may have had a minor collision with some structure during flight, and suffered short term concussion.

We believe the youngster was in its first year and probably hatched during the summer. It was not happy in captivity and fortunately we were able to release it back to the wild at KFBG on 11 December. It was so good to see this young, majestic eagle return to the sky.

The Serpent Eagle is a medium-sized raptor associated with good forest habitats in Hong Kong. As the name suggests, the Crested Serpent Eagle is a reptile-eating specialist, it forages for snakes and lizards over forests and rocky hillsides. The breeding season begins in late winter and eggs are laid in early summer.