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.
Click here for the latest pictures and information:
Timetable for human-led migration 2026
KW 14 - 15
Collection of approximately 32 Northern Bald Ibis chicks at Rosegg Zoo (Carinthia).
KW 14 - 18
The chicks are hand-raised for the first few weeks in Rosegg (Carinthia).
KW 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.
Camp management:
camp@waldrappteam.at
+49 1525 2424697
KW 33 - 40
Migration through Germany, France, and Spain:
final destination: Andalusia (ES)
KW 50
Release of the HLM 2026 birds in spain.