Number of juvenile birds
days of migration
KM to Spain
Human-Led Migration 2026
In 2026, a group of Northern Bald Ibises will again be raised by two human foster parents and accompanied on a human-led migration to a wintering area in Spain. The chicks come from the colony at Rosegg Zoo and are initially raised by their foster parents in Rosegg, without contact with other humans, and later in a specially prepared training camp. In the training camp, they learn to follow an ultralight aircraft, with one of the foster parents on board. Afterwards, they set out together with a ground team that provides logistical support for the migration, heading south. Upon arrival in the wintering area in Spain, the birds are gradually released into the wild after an acclimatization period and become part of the migrating population.
Why spain?
Global warming is also becoming a challenge for the Northern Bald Ibis. The birds of the colonies in the northern foothills of the Alps are having increasing problems flying over the Alpine barrier in autumn. A new migration corridor to Andalusia should enable them to reach a suitable wintering area without being hindered by the barrier of the Alps.
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Timetable for human-led migration 2026
CW 15 - 16
Collection of approximately 32 Northern Bald Ibis chicks at Rosegg Zoo (Carinthia).
CW 15 - 18
The chicks are hand-raised for the first few weeks in Rosegg (Carinthia).
CW 18 - 33
Relocation to the training camp: acclimatization to the ultralight aircraft and gradual training of the young birds, until proper training flights can finally be conducted.
CW 33 - 40
Migration through Germany, France, and Spain:
final destination: Andalusia (ES)
CW 50
Release of the HLM 2026 birds in spain.
Migration Diary 2026
April 8, 2026
After extensive planning and dedicated preparations, the time has finally come: the 2026 hand-rearing season can begin!
For Fabienne and Eszter, this is their first season in the role of foster mothers, and the excitement is accordingly high as six chicks from the colony at Tierpark Rosegg are placed in their care. Initially supported by Barbara, a former foster mother, they quickly learn how to properly care for their chicks.
The 2026 hand-rearing team also includes Amelie, who is responsible for camp management and, in a way, for supporting the foster mothers, as well as Yun, a Chinese PhD student who will collect data this season and support the core team.
A strong, motivated team that is starting this adventure full of enthusiasm and anticipation.