CARING FOR BLACK-FACED SPOONBILL

The documentary spans three decades and multiple countries. It records the years-long efforts to save the endangered wading bird. The film features sound direction by TU, music by LIM Giong, and narration by WU Nien-jen.

At the end of 1992, a group of Black-faced Spoonbills was brutally shot and killed by an unknown assailant in Qigu District, Tainan, which drew significant public attention in Taiwan. Photographer WANG Zheng-ji, who covered the incident, embarked on a 30-year journey to protect the Black-faced Spoonbills. At that time, there were fewer than 300 Black-faced Spoonbills left in the world, and this endangered species garnered attention from multiple countries. Bird enthusiasts from various fields worked across borders to assist in the survival of the Black-faced Spoonbill. These included academics, picture book writers, birdwatchers, grassroots civil servants, breeders, and many other unsung heroes, each with their connection to the Black-faced Spoonbill.

For WANG Zheng-ji, who has dedicated 30 years to the cause, his commitment remains unswerving, even in the face of personal loss and battling cancer. Today, the global population of Black-faced Spoonbills has exceeded 6,000. However, they are not resting on their laurels; their conservation journey continues.