Wildlife rescuers in Islamabad are working to protect birds struggling with extreme heat as Pakistan’s summers become hotter.

At the Margalla Wildlife Rescue Centre, wildlife officer Zaheer Ahmed carefully examined an Asian koel as part of efforts to treat birds suffering from dehydration and heatstroke.

Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change and recorded its second-hottest year since 1960 in 2025, according to government data. This summer, temperatures in Islamabad have risen above 40°C.

Sakhawat Ali, director of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, said that in the past, many birds were injured due to kite-flying strings that damaged their wings. However, over the last few years, most cases brought to the centre involve birds suffering from dehydration and heat stress.

The rescue centre, located near the Margalla Hills, was previously home to Islamabad Zoo, which was closed in 2020 after years of criticism over poor conditions. The area is now used to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife from across Pakistan, including animals such as bears and monkeys that were mistreated by private owners.

Scientists say that climate change is making heatwaves and other extreme weather events more frequent and severe.

Ahmed said the centre receives up to 30 calls a day during summer from people reporting injured or distressed wildlife. The rescued animals are provided with medical care, food, and water before being kept in quarantine until they are healthy enough to return to the wild.

He warned that forest fires are also becoming a major threat to birds, especially during breeding seasons. Fires can destroy nests, injure birds, and damage their natural habitats.

Ali urged people to help birds during hot weather by placing bowls of water outside their homes so birds can drink, bathe, and stay cool.