By Zahir Al-Aridi, Hima CentersTeam
Protecting endangered animals has become an urgent priority in the face of environmental challenges such as pollution, illegal hunting, and climate change. Conservation efforts worldwide focus on establishing sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers to safeguard at-risk species and restore them to their natural habitats.
for at the Mount Lebanon Hima Center
Two pioneering wildlife conservation centers in Mount Lebanon, established by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), are leading these efforts. The first, located in Shimlan, is the Biblical Garden, while the second, in Keyfoun, is the Hima Mount Lebanon Center. Both centers focus on protecting, rehabilitating, and reintroducing endangered birds, turtles, and wildlife species.
The Biblical Garden – A Sanctuary for Birds and Turtles
The Biblical Garden in Shimlan is dedicated to preserving and caring for endangered bird species that have been historically significant in the region, such as:
✅ Partridges
✅ Doves and pigeons (including the European Turtle Dove, a species classified as endangered)
✅ Storks
✅ Woodpeckers
The center protects and nurtures bird eggs and hatchlings before releasing them into protected natural reserves, ensuring their survival in safe habitats.
The garden also rehabilitates injured birds. For example, a stork injured by gunfire in Hammana was rescued by a citizen and brought to the center, where it was treated until fully recovered.
Beyond birds, the Biblical Garden provides a safe environment for vulnerable wildlife, such as squirrels, whose habitats are disappearing due to deforestation and urban expansion. Once rehabilitated, these animals are transferred to nature reserves where they can thrive.
Hima Mount Lebanon Center – A Refuge for Raptors
at the Biblical Garden
The Hima Mount Lebanon Center in Keyfoun specializes in rehabilitating injured birds of prey. The center includes special enclosures for treatment and recovery and has played a vital role in rescuing one of the world’s most endangered vultures:
🦅 Egyptian Vulture – SPNL has rehabilitated six Egyptian Vultures, later transferred to Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic, where they were integrated into a breeding program to boost their population.
🦅 Golden Eagle – The center is currently caring for a rescued Golden Eagle, which is undergoing treatment before being transported abroad for further rehabilitation and release into the wild.
Education and Community Engagement
Both centers are not just wildlife sanctuaries; they also serve as educational hubs. SPNL organizes:
📚 Awareness visits for schools and universities
🌱 Environmental training workshops for students and nature enthusiasts
These initiatives aim to educate the younger generation on the importance of conservation and inspire them to become advocates for wildlife protection.
Supporting these wildlife conservation centers is a shared responsibility—one that ensures a healthier, more balanced ecosystem for future generations.
The Happiness of Watching 14 Birds
According to a study published in Ecological Economics, simply observing 14 different bird species can bring the same level of happiness as receiving $150 in cash.
The research suggests that surrounding yourself with diverse birdlife can enhance life satisfaction, offering a sense of joy comparable to getting a 10% salary raise.
This finding highlights the vital connection between nature conservation and human well-being, proving that protecting wildlife is just as important as financial security when it comes to happiness and life fulfillment.
