In Zhejiang’s coastal islands, newborn great crested terns—a critically endangered species—are thrust into a world of fierce competition from their very first breath. 🌊 CGTN’s Wild China Up Close series reveals the harsh realities of their survival journey, where hungry predators and sibling rivalry test every hatchling’s chance to thrive.
Filmed in Xiangshan County, the documentary captures intimate moments of these rare birds, nicknamed 'birds with little spoons' for their distinctive beaks. With fewer than 50 breeding pairs remaining globally, each chick’s struggle symbolizes the fragile balance of nature.
Conservationists highlight the importance of preserving wetland ecosystems, which serve as crucial nesting grounds. As climate change and habitat loss loom, efforts to protect these terns offer hope—and a reminder that every species plays a role in our planet’s story. 🌍✨
