In the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, a remarkable story unfolds within the elegant confines of a toney neighborhood.
Here, in the comforting embrace of Catia Lattouf’s apartment, a delicate dance between compassion and fragility takes place each day.
Lattouf, a seasoned caregiver, cradles a baby hummingbird in her hands, delicately navigating the gentle nuances of its existence. Tenderly addressing the tiny creature, she inquires, “Hello, cute little guy.
Are you very hungry?” This extraordinary woman has dedicated a significant portion of her life to the tireless task of nursing these awe-inspiring beings back to vigor, with her unyielding passion serving as a testament to her unwavering commitment.
As the hummingbird ensconced within Lattouf’s hands gradually succumbs to her soothing touch, a young man stands beside them, awakened to the marvels of this artful act.
He had discovered the fragile creature, having stumbled upon it while it lay helplessly on his patio, a victim of fate’s capricious whims.
With bated breath, he observes Lattouf’s deft motions, absorbing the vast reservoir of knowledge and dedication that surrounds her.
“It is a broad-billed hummingbird,” Lattouf murmurs, her voice infused with a mix of excitement and tenderness, as she delicately maneuvers an eyedropper to the bird’s beak.
In that fleeting moment, a profound connection is forged – a bridge between two disparate entities, a mingling of worlds.
The tiny bird, its innate instinct awakening in the presence of its nurturer, reciprocates its yearning with an eagerness that transcends language.
Within the walls of Lattouf’s sanctuary, time seems to stand still as the hummingbird surrenders to the profound care and expertise bestowed upon it.
It is here, amidst the quietude and the harmonious cadence of life, that hope springs eternal, rebirth manifests, and the delicate balance of the natural world finds solace.
With each and every feathered visitor, Lattouf’s legacy etches deeper, a testament to the power of relentless love and tireless dedication entwined in a dance with nature.
As the hummingbird, a symbol of freedom, strength, and resilience, feasts on the nourishment offered by Lattouf’s gentle hands, an invisible current of gratitude flows between them.
It is a whispered language that defies traditional understanding, as they find solace and sustenance in the shared connection with one another.
And so, within the confines of this humble abode, the benevolent spirit of Catia Lattouf continues to breathe life into the wings of the hummingbird, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who bear witness to this extraordinary bond.
Ever since Lattouf transformed her apartment in the bustling Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City into a sanctuary for ailing, wounded, and young hummingbirds, her days have followed a familiar pattern.
With approximately 60 of these delicate creatures gracefully darting around, her daily routine has become a delicate ballet of care and compassion.
From the moment she wakes up, Lattouf devotes herself entirely to the well-being of these tiny avian beings.
With meticulous attention to detail, she tends to their every need, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition, medical assistance, and nurturing environment necessary for their recovery.
Her dedication and expertise in hummingbird care have made her a beacon of hope for these fragile creatures, as she tirelessly works to rehabilitate them and reintroduce them back into the wild.
Lattouf’s apartment has been transformed into a sanctuary, where the delicate hum of tiny wings and the vibrant colors of these enchanting birds create a serene atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.
Through her selfless efforts, Lattouf has not only become a guardian of these magnificent creatures but also a symbol of compassion and conservation in her community.
Her commitment to the well-being of these hummingbirds serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world around us.
In the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, amidst the chaos and urgency of daily life, there exists a hidden gem that goes by the name of an improvised clinic.
This humble establishment, though unassuming in its appearance, serves a crucial purpose in bridging the gaps in the healthcare system.
Even the Iztacala campus of Mexico’s prestigious National Autonomous University, a revered institution in its own right, often finds itself referring cases to this clinic.
It is not due to any inadequacies of the university, but rather a lack of resources, time, and space that prompts this alternative approach.
As revealed by the distinguished ornithologist María del Coro Arizmendi, who is actively involved in this project, the links between this clinic and the academic institution are not limited to healthcare alone.
The clinic extends its support to the university’s researchers, collaborating on the fascinating subject of hummingbirds.
Arizmendi, an expert in her field, has deduced that in the vast expanse of Mexico’s capital, there exist twenty-two diverse species of these tiny avian wonders.
Among them, the broad-billed hummingbird and the berylline hummingbird hold the title of being the most commonly observed.
A closer examination of Mexico as a whole reveals an even more impressive statistic – a staggering count of fifty-seven species of hummingbird.
However, when we broaden our scope to encompass the Americas, this delightful family of birds boasts a grand total of approximately three hundred and fifty different species.
The significance of this information lies not only in its inherent fascination but also in its broader implications.
It highlights the importance of preserving and understanding the intricate ecosystems and biodiversity that exist in our world.
It is within these connections, these synergies between formal institutions and grassroots initiatives, that we discover the true power of collaboration and the immense potential it holds for driving positive change.
In the presence of numerous diminutive avian creatures flitting about in the vicinity, encompassing the walls and the window of her personal sanctuary, Lattouf expounded upon her journey of tending to these delicate beings.
This endeavor commenced approximately a year subsequent to her triumphant battle against colon cancer in the year 2011.
The genesis of this remarkable undertaking can be traced back to a solitary hummingbird that had incurred an injury to its eye, inflicted by another member of its avian brethren.
Upon the encouragement of a veterinarian friend, she embarked on a journey to help a bird in need. She affectionately named the bird Gucci, after the brand of the glasses case in which she had found it.
Little did she know that this bird would soon become her inseparable companion, perching on her computer screen as she diligently worked.
Gucci, in a way, became the author of a new chapter in her life, as she fondly reminisced about the nine months they spent together.
It was during this time that the bird played a pivotal role in pulling her out of the depths of sadness and loneliness that had engulfed her following her husband’s untimely demise in 2009, which was then followed by her own arduous battle with cancer.
The weight of her illness had forced her to make the difficult decision of selling her five high-end boutiques, redirecting her focus towards her recovery.
In recent times, an increasing number of friends and acquaintances have taken to bringing her more hummingbirds. Intrigued by these delicate creatures native to the Americas, characterized by their diminutive size of 4 to 6 grams (equivalent to a fifth of an ounce or less) and measuring approximately 10 to 12 centimeters in length (around 4 to 5 inches), she decided to delve deeper into the realm of caring for them.
Acknowledging the vulnerable state in which many of these birds arrived at her doorstep, she embarked on a journey of understanding, aiming to enhance her ability to nurture these tiny creatures.
Indeed, she encountered numerous hummingbirds who were but fledglings, most requiring the utmost attention and diligent care.
Furthermore, she encountered a multitude of cases in which these fragile beings had endured traumatizing experiences, notably through wing injuries sustained from collisions or unfortunate falls from nests.
Others were afflicted with infections contracted through consuming contaminated water from hummingbird feeders, which are particularly popular in urbanized areas.
As time passed, her reputation spread like wildfire. The advent of social media, TikTok more specifically, catapulted her into the limelight when a video capturing her selfless dedication to these enchanting birds was shared on the aforementioned platform.
Its subsequent viewership count soared to an astounding figure, surpassing 1.5 million, amplifying awareness of her noteworthy work.
These circumstances have since precipitated a significant surge in demand for her expertise. Duly, she has resolved to never turn away any of these avian souls in need.
Fortuitously, she has found a reliable partner in her collaborative endeavor, Cecilia Santos, whom she affectionately refers to as the “hummingbird nanny.”
Together, this remarkable dynamic duo devotes tireless effort and immeasurable hours to the wellbeing of these enchanting creatures, with their daily routine commencing as early as 5 a.m. and often stretching long into the night.
In a world where compassion delves into the realms of the extraordinary, these two remarkable individuals have forged a unique bond with nature, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the welfare of these minuscule marvels.
The bedroom where Lattouf sleeps serves as a temporary sanctuary for the majority of hummingbirds. These delicate creatures reside there until they have gained enough strength to fly and fend for themselves.
Once they reach this stage, Lattouf relocates them to a neighboring room where they undergo further preparation before their eventual release. The release itself takes place in a wooded area located on the southside of the city.
While many of these hummingbirds successfully adapt to the wild once again, there are unfortunate instances where some succumb to their ailments under Lattouf’s care. In these cases, she ensures they receive a respectful burial near her building amidst the presence of small plants.
The city, unfortunately, poses numerous threats to the well-being of hummingbirds. Among these are the sleek black grackles, notorious for attacking the birds and destroying their nests.
Additionally, the constant influx of construction projects in the city further exacerbates the situation as flower gardens are replaced with cold, unyielding concrete.
Despite these challenges, Lattouf remains resolutely optimistic. She places her faith in other bird enthusiasts who share her passion, hoping that they will contribute to the cause by planting more flowers to sustain these magnificent pollinators.
Lattouf acknowledges that nothing in life is guaranteed, and she firmly believes that the gift of life is bestowed by a higher power.
However, she and her team spare no effort in providing the best care possible for these vulnerable birds. Through her unwavering dedication, Lattouf strives to offer a safe haven for hummingbirds, giving them a fighting chance to thrive in the face of adversity.