Migration 2023 - Waldrappteam

Number of Juveniles

Day of migration

Distance to Andalusia

The last human-led migration took place in August 2023. It was carried out to release juveniles for the further establishment of the colony in Überlingen on Lake Constance. This fourth migration for the Überlingen colony had been delayed by three years as a result of Corona.

However that year, the migration had a new destination: instead of flying to the wintering area in Tuscany, we flew to Andalusia to release the juveniles there. Over the last 20 years, the partner project Proyecto Eremita, established a sedentary Northern Bald Ibis population of about 200 birds in this region and our released birds are overwintering in that area as well. The about 2300-kilometre journey to Andalusia lead through three countries and confronted the project team with new challenges: Not only did birds and people have to show more endurance than in previous years, but new languages, countries and cultures were also added. The overall duration of the migration was 43 days and was covered in 19 stages.

Why Andalusia?

Global warming is becoming a challenge for the Northern Bald Ibis. The birds of the colonies in the northern foothills of the Alps have increasing problems to cross the barrier of mountain ridges in autumn. A new migration corridor to Andalusia will enable them to reach a suitable wintering area without having to overcome this natural barrier.

Click here for the latest pictures and information:

Timetable for human-led migration 2023

KW 14

Collection of 35 juveniles from the nests of the colony at Rosegg Zoo in Carinthia (A).

KW 15 - 18

Hand-raising the juveniles at Karlsruhe Zoo (D). Visitors can observe the foster mothers at work.

KW 19 - 31

Training of the juveniles at Binningen airfield, Beurener Straße 9, 78247 Hilzingen, Germany

Contact Camp Leader

Laura Pahnke

Randegger Ottilien-Quelle is supporting the reintroduction of the bald ibis near Binningen by providing free drinks at the camp.

KW 32 - 38

Human-led migration from Binningen airfield (D) to Vejer de la Frontera, Andalusia (E).

INFORMATION:

next start: 02. October 2023, 8:00 am from Villamartín

If you want to watch the start, you should arrive here at 7:30 a.m. at the airfield at latest.

Under the following link, you can follow our migration route live or view the route of the last stage afterwards.

02. October 2023 –

https://livetrackingapp.com/track.php?user=walter.teamholzmueller@gmail.com&trackID=1696220968103

Migration Diary 2023

On 02 March 2023 the first eggs were laid at Rosegg colony. After the typical 28-day incubation period for the Northern Bald Ibis, we expect the first chicks to hatch on 30 March. At the age of four to six days, the chicks are then collected from the nests and placed in the care of the two foster mothers Helena Wehner and Barbara Steininger. A total of 35 chicks will be raised this year, which is a record number. For many years now, Rosegg Zoo has provided the majority of the chicks for hand rearing.

18. October 2023

A little update from our wintering area in Vejer de la Frontera. Time flies, so it has already been two weeks since our team arrived in the wintering area. Except for a few team members, everyone has gone back home.

Our young ibises are still in their big releasment-aviary. Here they are getting used to their new environment and, although their foster mothers still take good care of them, are slowly adapting to live an independent life. All 32 birds that arrived in the wintering area are doing very well. For the three birds that separated from the group earlier we are still waiting for news.

The birds will be released as soon as they are weaned from their foster mothers and conditions outside are as good as possible, so they find enough food to have a good start into their life in the wild.

: B. Steininger

03. October 2023

200 children, around 100 adults, several people in bald ibis costumes and an array of music, posters and placards officially welcomed us and our bald ibis to the province of Cádiz today. We cannot yet put into words how grateful we are for this gesture and would like to say a very sincere and big THANK YOU to all those involved, all the volunteers and all the partners of our project.

In total, our team travelled for 6 weeks and 2300 km and was supported again and again by wonderful people, welcomed at airports and accompanied along the journey. With this year’s migration, we were not only able to lead the first migrating bald ibis to Spain after 400 years, but also to create a wonderful basis for the future close cooperation between the bald ibis team and the Proyecto Eremita. Not only here on site, but also already on the journey, the project stood by us in word and deed and also helped us out energetically with personnel.

Today, all our bald ibises have moved well into the new aviary, from where they will be released into the wild in a while. Helena and Babsi will spend less and less time with their youngsters from now on, so that they can gradually join the existing colony of the Proyecto Eremitas.

After an incredibly exciting time, this year’s HLM (human led migration) team says thank you and goodbye until further notice.

: R. Beck

02. October 2023

Levante, we will not soon forget this name. In the past few days we waited for suitable conditions to cover the last 80 km of our 2300 km journey. What would actually be a breeze for our birds and our team turned out to be an extraordinarily great difficulty. The winds in the province of Cadiz are not to be underestimated and enormously restrict the time windows in which a flight is possible. After three days of rest, we decided to attempt another flight of around 50 km today and bring ourselves a little closer to our goal. According to the weather forecast, conditions seemed good and after a punctual start, expectations and anticipation were high.

But barely 20 km after take-off, the winds were already much stronger than forecast. It would not have been possible to continue the flight without taking risks. We are lucky to have such experienced pilots at our side, who assess risky situations correctly and bring themselves and the foster mothers back to the ground safely. They got to feel Levante.

After a short consideration, we decided not to transfer the birds to the airfield in Medina-Sidonia as planned, but instead directly to the target region. Since we are already in the future action area of the birds, the transfer will not be a problem for them afterwards. They will have enough time to explore the surroundings in the future.

An exciting journey with many experiences, insights and achievements is gradually coming to an end. Tomorrow, on our actual arrival day, we have a big welcome party to celebrate with all the people who support us.

: B. Steininger

28. September 2023

After our arrival at the Aerodromo Villamartin, the team gradually became aware that this incredible journey was slowly coming to an end. We have already completed 18 stages and a good 2200 km. Now that we are only 80 km away from our final destination, our thoughts oscillate between the final arrival and the journey home to the north.

We have already been warmly welcomed in Villamartin and accompanied by some media productions. It was a special pleasure to finally come into contact with the staff of Proyecto Eremita, who supported us energetically both along the journey and here on site. We are looking forward to further cooperation and are looking forward to our arrival in Vejer de la Frontera.

The weather seems unsuitable for the next few days. Therefore, we will not be able to continue our flight before Monday.

: L. Pahnke

24. September 2023

Sometimes things unexpectedly turn out differently than planned. About halfway through this short stage, we had to make an emergency landing with the birds because the wind was too strong. In the landscape dominated by olive trees, only the area of an abandoned sewage treatment plant was available for this. Soon the caretaker of the area came and told us with pleasure that he had seen a report on the project yesterday on TV and today we are sitting with the birds unexpectedly at his site. The project has also gained a new and somewhat annoying friend, the resident horse.

The birds were put into boxes and travelled the remaining 40 km to the next location in the vehicle. From there we will probably fly on Thursday.

: M. Wehner

23. September 2023

At an astonishingly cool 7° C today, we started almost on time at 8 am with our 15th leg. A fantastic flight over impressive landscape and olive groves as far as the eye can see. It was also a particularly beautiful leg for the escort team today, as they were able to keep an eye on the aircraft almost the entire way.

The birds flew almost continuously in wedge formation and tirelessly followed their mothers. We were able to cover 130 km today and have once again come a big step closer to our goal in Vejer de la Frontera. It is already within reach!

: L. Pahnke

21. September 2023

No two days are the same. Since our start on 21 August, 32 days have already passed, during which the team has successfully mastered every upcoming hurdle. In the past few days we have experienced both highs, with fantastic flights and good progress, and lows. Three of our birds are still missing and one of our cars had to be repaired, although it remains unclear whether we will get it back before the start of the next stage. Last but not least, camp had to be moved 500 m today as parachutists will be using our old site at Casas de los Pinos airfield to land from tomorrow. This also meant that we had to dismantle and reassemble the aviary another time, and all without moving further south. A tough programme on an actual break day, but our team also took this in their stride and set up everything together at the new location in no time at all. Once again we would like to draw attention to the excellent work of our entire team, not everyone can achieve this feat. We are thrilled!

: L. Pahnke

19. September 2023

After we had to interrupt yesterday’s flight due to strong winds, we had all the better conditions today. We were able to cover a total of 180 km without a stopover. A beautiful flight with the best wind support.

And although the birds followed the aircraft continuously and very reliably today, there was a scare moment in between. Flying over a challenging mountainous landscape, the birds suddenly scattered and eight birds went out of sight, probably due to a bird of prey attack. After a few minutes had passed, the eight unexpectedly reappeared and rejoined the group.

The rest of the flight went without complications. Nevertheless, we lost one of our birds, Stefan, just 15 km before landing. We appreciate any sightings and would like to take this opportunity to remind you that two other birds are still missing.

📷: B. Steininger

18. September 2023

We were finally able to take off from Roquetes this morning and had a magnificent flight at the beginning. The birds were super motivated, the flight team too of course 🙂 . With some tailwind we managed 85 kilometres in just under two hours. However, at about halfway to Olocau, near Castellon de la Plana, we couldn’t go any further due to strong offshore winds and had to land on a karst area. It was a soft landing, the team and the birds are fine. Now the birds are transported to Olocau airfield in boxes and the flying equipment as a trailer. The after-team with the aviary is also already on its way there.
Already tomorrow they will continue their journey. This was the last leg on the Mediterranean coast. From Valencia we fly inland, past Granada, until we finally reach the Atlantic in Andalusia.

: H. Wehner

17. September 2023

Until now, we have been observing the current weather situation in order to decide whether a flight today might be possible. In the end, however, the conditions have not improved and a flight does not seem possible even later in the day.

Nevertheless, contrary to initial assumptions, the weather forecast for tomorrow looks much better. So we are cautiously optimistic that we will finally be able to move towards Valencia (Olocau) tomorrow.

!! We are still looking for our two missing bald ibises and are happy about any further sightings. The last sighting of one was in Quinto.

: B. Steininger
The bald ibises use the break days to search for all kinds of treats in the aviary.

14. September 2023

Today’s flight stage was very turbulent. After we did not get clearance for the control zone of Reus airport, we had to make a wide diversion inland. There we lost most of the birds, possibly as a result of a bird of prey attack. Fortunately, the birds flew back to the Bellvei airfield, from where Barbara and Laura were able to recollect 25 birds. However, two birds remain missing. We would be very grateful for sightings reports. Probably the birds are between Bellvei and Roquetes.

With the remaining 33 birds we will take a break tomorrow as we have to wait out a rain front. Helena and Christina will use the time to search for the missing birds.
At best we will continue south with 35 birds on September 16.

: B. Steininger

10. September 2023

Today’s flight went very well over 120 km. The 34 birds followed mostly in magnificent V-formation. They flew relatively slowly, but for that their flight with many gliding phases made a very relaxed impression.
Only 10 km before Bellvei airfield a parachute pilot with a backpack motor disturbed the pilots as well as the birds by his nonsensical and irresponsible behavior. Three birds detached from the group and lost visual contact. Fortunately, they were spotted a few hours later at our starting point in Palafolls, from where we were able to pick them up that afternoon.
We have now flown for three consecutive days and have already left Barcelona behind. This is a great success that has strained the birds and especially the team. Anyway, now we are taking a break day before continuing along the coast to Valencia.

: B. Steininger

9. September 2023

Another successful flight day is behind us. Unfortunately, there were again problems with the LiveTrack, so that you could not follow our flight. We took off from Ordis at 7:30 am and landed in Palafolls after just under two hours, around 9:30 am. Altogether 72 km and thus clearly shorter than planned, since we received shorthand the permission to pass the control zone of the airport in Girona.

Just as impressive as our bald ibis is our ground team, which continues to improve after 3 weeks of hard work, continues to show the highest motivation and in the meantime sets up the aviary in just under an hour at the new location. Currently, the ground team consists of 9 people, without whom the migration would not be possible!

: B. Steininger

8. September 2023

Accompanied by the sunrise, our team finally continued to Spain today. A beautiful flight along the sea and over the foothills of the Pyrenees. A total of just under 100 km flight distance, which our 7 explorers have also wonderfully contested!

Since yesterday evening the team is complete again and ready for all further stages in Spain.

: B. Steininger

5. September 2023

Those who have been following us avidly via LiveTrack will wonder why we did not reach our destination in Ordis. Due to fog, the aircraft guiding the birds had to land in a field near Embres-et-Castelmaure. As the wind was getting stronger and stronger, it was not possible to take off again and continue the flight, even after the fog had disappeared.

We therefore set up our camp provisionally exactly where the birds landed with their foster mother Helena. All 26 forest bustards are well up and the two slightly injured birds have already been brought to the new location by car.

Meanwhile, Barbara and Laura continue to do their best to find the missing 7 bustards near Grenoble.

We’ll be in touch as soon as we have any new information!

: L. Pahnke

4. September 2023

Today we had a fantastic flight from Saint Martin de Londres airfield, north of Montpellier, to an airfield near Narbonne. For about 95 km we needed only 01:50 h flying time. The birds followed highly motivated, mostly in beautiful wedge formation and tailwind accelerated the formation up to 70 km/h.

Our joy after this flight was only marred by the fact that we received no further information about the whereabouts of our 7 missing birds. The last sighting was on Sunday 3 September at 15:39 near Grenoble (Colombe).

: B. Steininger

1. September 2023

While the rest of the team managed the next stage to Mas-de-Londres, Barbara and Laura searched for the missing 17 birds in Pérouges. 10 bald ibises have returned to the airfield in Pérouges, our previous stage, and were welcomed there by their foster mother.

Unfortunately, the remaining 7 birds have not yet been sighted, but they are probably also near Pérouges. They may also be on their way to Lons-le-Saunier in the north. We will keep you informed!

: B. Steininger

31. August 2023

A very exhausting day of flying lies behind us. After we were able to take off on time and in good weather in the morning, the first part of our journey today took us to Saint Rambert d’Albon, where we made a short stopover to refuel the flying machines due to the length of the flight. Up to this stopover it was a good flight with the birds following nicely. After that, unfortunately, the onward flight turned into a big challenge. Some of the birds got out of sight and we were only able to guide 18 of our 35 birds to our stage destination in Ardèche. We are currently searching for the rest of the group and hope that they will return to the final stage destination on their own. As soon as there is news, we will post an update!

: B. Steininger

27. August 2023

After the fog had lifted, we were able to take off for Pérouges after all, with a 3 1/2 hour delay. All in all, birds and aircraft covered 111 km, with a maximum speed of 78 km/h. We enjoyed great wind support and highly motivated birds. A successful flight and also the landing in strong wind, the pilots mastered perfectly.

As a small résumé of the past first week of migration: 4 flights with a total of 440 km have already been completed.

: B. Steininger

24. August 2023

For today’s stage, we had actually set our destination at the airfield in Pérouges. However, due to the increasing wind strength and the forecast thunderstorms for the afternoon/evening, we decided to stay at our stopover in Lons-le-Saunier. It has been a fantastic flight so far. The bald ibises flew in excellent wedge formation and very close to the aircraft. So apart from the weather, nothing can stop us now.

: B. Steininger

23. August 2023

Hand rearing 2023 The second stage is done. A wonderful flight over almost 170 km. Everything went very well, we had the best wind support and the birds flew along wonderfully. They are now flying more and more in wedge formation and flying at sufficient altitude seems to suit them more and more. We are proud of the whole team for this strong and tireless work at over 32 degrees.

: H. Wehner

21. August 2023

Arrival at Hütten Hotzenwald airfield.
Unfortunately, our LiveTrack was interrupted during the flight. Regardless of this, however, we arrived at our first stage destination without any problems and as planned. Together with the 35 bald ibises, the foster mothers spent the time after arrival on a meadow at the airfield, while the ground team worked at full speed to set up the aviary as quickly as possible. Overall, we leave the day extremely motivated and full of anticipation for further migration. The team has done a fantastic job, so we can now finish the evening calmly.

: L. Pahnke

20. August 2023

The preparations are in full swing. After almost 3 1/2 months in Binningen, we are breaking down our tents and preparing for the long journey to the wintering area in Vejer de la Fontera in Andalusia.

For two days, the team worked in temperatures of over 30°C from morning to night.   Because already tomorrow at 8 am we want to fly with the birds from the airfield Binningen 66 km to the airfield Hütten Hotzenwald, our first destination.

The birds will be guided by two ultralight aircraft, each with one of their foster mothers and one pilot. Furthermore, the team consists of 11 people who will be on the ground and divided into teams. One team accompanies the aircraft, one team transports the aviary and one team takes care of the dismantling of the camp.   

Anyone who would like to watch the start of our migration is warmly invited to come and see us at the Binningen airfield (Beurener Str. 9, 78247 Hilzingen).

As we want to start at 8 am and all interested people should already be at their assigned place at that time, please come to the airfield at 7:30 am at the latest. There, colleagues of our team will show you a place from where you can watch the birds take off. In order to not irritate the birds during their take-off, we ask you to refrain from looking for a place on the airfield on your own. Just ask us and we will show you a good place to watch.   If you don’t want to drive all the way to Binningen, you can follow our first flight via the LiveTrack as usual. This will be posted tomorrow before the start.   We are very excited and are looking forward to finally being able to start south!

: L. Pahnke

18. August 2023

After a wonderful little round trip, we landed in Hilzingen for the last time. There, where our birds have always felt particularly comfortable in the past. After a short break of about an hour, we returned to Binningen.

We are ready for the migration and are looking forward to the upcoming trip!

17. August 2023

The first flight training with two aircraft is accomplished!

After a short stopover at Orsingen, we went to the Stahringen airfield today with all 35 bald ibises and two flying machines. The birds reacted very positively to the new conditions right from the start and flew after their two foster mothers with great motivation. We already know the Stahringen airfield from previous years and are pleased that we are always so warmly welcomed there.

Now it’s time to cool down, rest and gather new energy for tomorrow’s training day.

: H. Wehner

14. August 2023

A nice short round for our last flight with only one aircraft.  While Helena and Johannes guided the birds in the air, Laura and Barbara followed the action from the ground. An escort car kept radio and visual contact with the aircraft at all times.   
As the weather showed itself from its best side today, we were able to make another quite carefree training flight. A total of 47 km with wonderfully following birds.  After a stopover at Aach, we returned to Binningen.   
On Thursday it will be exciting again, as the second aircraft will be added.   We are already looking forward to it!

: T. Gamp

12. August 2023

In recent weeks, unfavourable weather conditions have repeatedly affected training with the young bald ibises at the Binningen airfield. Also, despite the very good relationship with their foster mothers, the bald ibises stayed unusually far away from the aircraft during the past training flights.
In the past two days, however, we have managed two very nice training flights, on 10 August to Sauldorf-Boll airfield with a total flight distance of 81 kilometres and on 11 August to Pfullendorf airfield with a total flight distance of 132 kilometres.

Originally, the human-led migration was supposed to start earlier than before this year, already in the period from 7 to 10 August. We had to change this schedule due to the conditions. Currently, we plan to start the human-led migration on Monday 21 August.
In the coming week, we still have to get the birds used to the fact that they will be guided by two aircraft from now on. This means that from now on both foster mothers can fly at the same time, which usually has a positive effect on the birds.

We are highly motivated and confident that the new date of departure can be met, if the weather cooperates. For the time being, the team is growing steadily. With the start of the migration, the team is expected to comprise 15 people.

: B. Steininger

11. August 2023

With today’s flight training we have once again come a big step closer to the start of the migration. All 35 bald ibises eagerly followed the aircraft with their foster mother Barbara Steininger to the Pfullendorf airfield. After a short break, they returned to Binningen. All in all, they covered a distance of 132 km.

Soon we will add the second ultra light aircraft. From then on, both foster mothers will be able to accompany their bald ibis in the air at the same time.

: H. Wehner

1. August 2023

Until the 6th of August, we would like to offer interested people the opportunity to visit the Waldrapp team at Camp Binningen.

The visiting hours are still as follows:

Monday to Friday: 3 -5 pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 11 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 5 pm.

At these times, you are free to stop by our camp at your convenience and get information about the project as well as have a look at the birds from this year’s hand-rearing.

: H. Wehner

21. July 2023

Come on Waldi, come on. For some time now, Barbara and Helena, our two foster mothers, have been heard calling out these words from the aircraft. The call is positively associated with the beginning of hand rearing and is intended to make it easier for the bald ibises to find their foster mother sitting in the flying device and to orientate themselves to her. The foster mothers train tirelessly together with the bald ibises to prepare them for the upcoming migration. Until the start of the migration, the bald ibises have to follow the aircraft reliably and keep their motivation even over long distances.

: B. Steininger

3. July 2023

Hello, I am Gina and I will be an intern at the Waldrappteam camp for one week. I am very happy to be able to work in the Waldrappteam’s species protection project.

I was immediately warmly welcomed by the camp team. My tasks in the camp include preparing food for the bald ibis, cleaning the feeding insects (mealworms and crickets) and looking after visitors. It is always nice when many people come from the near vicinity and also from further away to learn more about the bald ibis. A bird that most people have never seen, but are immediately fascinated by its appearance and history.

I find it particularly exciting to be there and help with the bald ibis’ flight training. It is always such a beautiful picture to see the bald ibises flying over the meadows until they happily land with their foster mothers Barbara and Helena. Then the bald ibises begin to diligently search the meadow for worms and other treats with their long beaks.
I am very happy to be able to witness the work of the Waldrappteam and the development of the birds and I am curious to see what else awaits me in the next few days.

: G. Gerecke

21. June 2023

Sometimes even the weather is unpredictable. So today, in the middle of the ongoing flight training, a fierce thunderstorm passed us. The thunderclouds moved so fast across the sky that there was no chance to get back to the aviary in time with the bald ibis. The whole team worked and reacted incredibly well, so in the end everything turned out fine.

All 35 bald ibises remained on the runway under the protection of their foster mothers. This shows again how strong the bond is between foster mother and bird. Instinctively, they all gathered close together and waited through the storm on the ground.

No damage was done to the equipment or the camp either. The cleanup is almost complete, so everyday life can resume.

: H. Wehner

10. June 2023

The team of this year’s hand rearing starts the weekend with an excellent feeling. Residents of Hilzingen could have been lucky enough to see one of our bald ibis flying over their houses twice in the last few days. Because on Tuesday our first free flight took place. When leaving the aviary for the first time, there is always a certain excitement, both with the birds and with the team. We are all the more pleased that both the first and the second free flight went very well.

During the first free flight there is a lot to learn for the young bald ibis. It is not uncommon to observe that although they can fly and soar excellently, they first have to figure out how to regain ground in thermals despite the updraft.

In the coming weeks, the training will be further expanded and the birds will be gradually trained to follow their foster mothers in ultralight aircraft.

: B. Steininger

25. May 2023

Today our last three bald ibises have fledged. Paloma, Aurelius and Rabauke have also ventured into the aviary today and can now enjoy the sun together with the others and search for snails and insects in the meadow. The necessary cooling down in between is of course also provided. But our journey does not end here. Already in the last days the first preparations were made for the upcoming flight training with the ultralight aircraft. In order to reduce the fear of our device, the birds are regularly played the sound of the engine before they come into contact with the aircraft. Then the aircraft is driven up and down in front of the aviary. In this way, we can accustom the bald ibis to the flying machine without stress and very gradually.

We are looking forward to the coming weeks and will keep you informed about the development of the training.

: B. Steininger

18. May 2023

Also today we have again a reason to celebrate. Accompanied by the best weather, Selma, Espi and Layla have fledged today. This means that more than half of our bald ibis are ready to fly and the two foster mothers, Helena and Barbara, are proud of every single one of their offspring. Just three have flown into the aviary, and the next ones are already moving up the ramp of the rearing cart and curiously looking into the aviary. We are curious to see which bald ibis will dare to take off next.
We warmly invite all interested people to visit us in the information tent (Beurener Str. 9, 78247 Hilzingen) from Monday, May 22. We will be available on site at the following times:
Monday to Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and on holidays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Gathered in a guided group, you can go observe the bald ibis with us at these times. Since there is still flight activity and we do not want to frighten the bald ibis, we ask you to refrain from independent visits.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by phone
+49 152 524 246 97

: H. Wehner

10. May 2023

Monday noon, it was time for the foster mothers and the juvenile Northern Bald Ibises to move from the well-frequented Karlsruhe Zoo to our mobile training camp in Binningen. Surrounded by the idyllic countryside, they were warmly welcomed into their new home for the next two and a half months.

For the juveniles, the move brings a big change. Shortly after arriving in the new rearing van, the first birds explored the ramp to the outdoor aviary and the floor of the van. We are already curious to see who will be the first to venture into the aviary and thus initiate the fledging of our Northern Bald Ibises.

Our visiting times on site will be announced in the coming days.

: B. Steininger

31. April 2023

At just 28 days old, our oldest chicks already developed their beautiful plumage. At first glance it appears black, but with a little sunlight it shimmers in all the colours of the rainbow. Not only does it look great, our biggest chicks are discovering starting to discover their wings and are certainly already thinking about what they can do with them. As the first step towards fledging, we can already observe the first wing beats.

Even our smallest ones are now beginning to develop their feathers.

Come and visit us at Zoo Karlsruhe and have a look at our chicks. In the visitors’ tent you can find information about the project and have all your questions answered.

: B. Steininger

22. April 2023

In the night from Thursday to Friday, 21 April, our chicks set off on their first big journey. While the two foster mothers, Helena and Barbara, took care of the juveniles as usual, the rest of the team packed all the necessary things to transfer them from Rosegg Zoo in Carinthia to Karlsruhe Zoo. Thursday evening, after the last feeding, the chicks were loaded into our vehicle. According to the natural feeding habits, the chicks receive no food from late evening until the next morning. This way, it was not necessary to disturb the chicks during the journey.

We would like to thank the team of the zoo who welcomed us very warmly even in the middle of the night. All the chicks managed the journey well and continue to gain weight. Since yesterday, zoo visitors can observe the rearing of the juveniles in Karlsruhe Zoo and inform themselves in our information tent about the project.

We are looking forward to our many visitors!

: B. Steininger

17. April 2023

Our group is complete! The last two late hatchers successfully moved into their new nests in the rearing container today.

We are happy to report that all chicks have settled well into their new nests so far and are already showing great progress in their development! Our biggest chick weighs 883 g, our youngest chick 110 g. But even the smallest ones will catch up very soon.

On 20 April we will start the big trip to Karlsruhe in the evening. There, zoo visitors will be able to observe the hand-rearing through a glass window.

: B. Steininger

7. April 2023

This year’s hand-raising at Rosegg Zoo in Carinthia has started. Yesterday afternoon we took the first 10 chicks out of the nests. After a short medical examination, the first weighing and the application of coloured markings (ribbons on the legs), they moved into their new nests. The chicks are between four and seven days old and they are all doing well after their first night.

They woke up very lively this morning, even though it seems that we have a few late sleepers among the chicks this year. Helena and Barbara are busy feeding and taking care of the juveniles all day.

: B. Steininger