Discover how Catia Lattouf de Arída leads a unique hummingbird rescue operation in her Mexico City home, rehabilitating orphaned and injured birds before release—highlighting why hummingbird rescue matters for global pollination.
In the heart of Mexico City, 73-year-old Catia Lattouf de Arída has devoted more than a decade to rescuing and nursing injured and orphaned hummingbirds within the walls of her modest apartment. What began as a personal act of compassion has grown into a full-fledged hummingbird rescue effort that attracts attention from bird lovers and nature enthusiasts across the globe.
Catia traces her deep respect for animal life back to her childhood Scouts training. “I learned to respect every living thing, from the smallest plant to the tiniest bird,” she says. That early lesson stayed with her through the years and guided her toward a life of service, although she never imagined she would become a specialist in hummingbird care.
Her journey began unexpectedly during a battle with colon cancer. While recovering at home, Catia encountered a wounded baby hummingbird, barely alive on the sidewalk. She brought the tiny creature, which she named Gucci, into her care. At first, she relied on advice from a veterinarian friend to mix the right feed and administer proper medication. But as Gucci strengthened under her watchful eye, Catia felt a deeper bond forming.
“When Gucci started to flutter around the room, I understood I was part of something bigger,” Catia recalls. She dove into research, consulting biologists from Mexico and abroad, studying hummingbird anatomy, feeding schedules, and habitat needs. Over time, her living room transformed into an improvised clinic: feeders lined the windowsills, and soft perches hung at bird level to aid in recovery.
Catia’s reputation spread further after she posted a video on TikTok, documenting her daily care routine and the delicate process of training the birds to feed independently. The clip went viral, drawing messages from around the world. People who discovered injured hummingbirds in their neighborhoods began reaching out for guidance. Catia now fields calls, messages, and video sessions, coaching fellow rescuers on everything from emergency stabilization to long-term rehabilitation strategies.
Today, around 20 hummingbirds flit freely in Catia’s apartment, each bearing a name that reflects its personality or origin. She has christened them with whimsical titles like Aurora, Mikro, and Sol, celebrating their individuality. Once the birds regain full strength and learn to forage independently, Catia partners with Terraza Colibrí, a dedicated release site in southern Mexico City. There, she ensures each bird adapts smoothly to the outdoors before it rejoins the wild.
Beyond the touching human story lies an urgent ecological reminder: hummingbirds serve as vital pollinators for more than two percent of plant species worldwide, surpassing the role of bees, bats, and butterflies in many ecosystems. Their rapid wing beats and ability to hover help transfer pollen deep within flowers that other insects cannot reach. Without hummingbirds, ecosystems risk losing critical plant diversity, which can cascade into food scarcity for other wildlife and even impact human agriculture.
Environmental experts warn that habitat loss, climate change, and urban pollution threaten hummingbird populations across Mexico. In this context, community initiatives like Catia’s hummingbird rescue draw attention to the small-scale efforts that can make a significant difference. “Every bird returned to nature is a victory,” notes Dr. Alejandra Ruiz, an ornithologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. “These efforts boost local populations and raise public awareness.”
Catia hopes her work inspires others to look out for injured wildlife and act quickly. She advises anyone who finds a struggling hummingbird to keep it warm, offer a sugar-water solution in a syringe, and contact a specialized rescuer as soon as possible. She also emphasizes the importance of planting native flowering plants in urban gardens to provide natural food sources and safe habitats.
Local organizations such as Terraza Colibrí (@Terraza_Colibrí) welcome volunteers and donations to expand rescue operations. Catia works closely with their team to organize release events and educational workshops in community centers. “Our goal is to build a network of citizen scientists and safe spaces for hummingbirds across the city,” she explains. As more people join this hummingbird rescue movement, communities at large stand to benefit from stronger ecosystems and a deeper bond with nature.
As the sun sets over Mexico City, Catia prepares fresh nectar solutions and checks on her feathered guests before bed. Each hummingbird story reaffirms her belief in second chances—both for the birds and for herself. “When you help these tiny creatures fly again, you witness resilience in action,” she says. “It reminds us that care and compassion can heal more than just the body.” In her modest apartment clinic, Catia continues to prove that one person’s dedication can spark hope and preserve nature’s delicate balance.
