Beijing zookeeper helps birds thrive with specialized care methods

For more than 20 years, Mo Xiao has dedicated herself to bird care at the Beijing Zoo by learning the unique habits, diets, and temperaments of each species.

In the case of Huahua, the wreathed hornbill, Mo developed a method that uses step-by-step training and heart-rate monitoring to assess the animal's condition, helping it become a top performer in health checks.

She also created a surprisingly well-matched trio by housing together three disabled parrots — one unable to fly, one unable to run, and one unable to bite. "The reason these three parrots can coexist harmoniously lies in their respective physical disabilities, which have created a remarkable balance in terms of size and capabilities," Mo said. "If they were placed with healthy parrots, conflicts would most likely arise over food and territory."

To address gout in ground hornbills, Mo optimized their diet and used mudfish to encourage natural water intake during feeding, helping relieve limping caused by the condition.

After three years of adjusting nesting materials to mimic natural habitats, she also helped toucans successfully breed in spring and autumn.

"For me, every bird is a unique life," Mo said. "Raising them isn't just about keeping them alive; it's about protecting their nature with respect and professionalism."

Liu Xueru contributed to this story.