TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei recorded 5,823 bird rescue cases last year, with half involving fledglings, the Taipei City Animal Protection Office (台北市動物保護處) reported Thursday. Officials urged residents to avoid disturbing solitary young birds.
The cases occurred primarily during the April-to-July breeding season, when fledglings are most commonly found outdoors. The office advised contacting the 1959 animal rescue hotline for professional assistance instead of intervening directly with wildlife. Officials emphasized that residents should avoid touching or feeding young birds found alone.
The office attributed the high rescue numbers to Taipei's green initiatives and environmental measures, which have made urban areas more wildlife-friendly in recent years. Bird sightings have increased in neighborhood parks and schoolyards across the city as habitats expand. Officials noted that many fledglings found on the ground are learning to fly, with parent birds typically watching nearby.
The office emphasized a non-interference approach based on the principles of "do not disturb, touch, or feed." Officials warned that taking birds home or feeding them could cause harm and potentially violate wildlife conservation laws. Residents can report injured or trapped animals through the 1959 hotline or the Taipei City Government's LINE account, a popular messaging platform in Taiwan. Providing videos or photos helps rescue teams assess each situation. ◼