The northern bald ibis, also known as the Waldrapp, has made a remarkable comeback in Europe, thanks to the efforts of dedicated conservationists. For years, the species was extinct in central Europe due to hunting and habitat loss. In response, the Waldrapp team in Austria has been working tirelessly since 2004 to reintroduce the birds to their natural habitat and teach them their migration routes.
Each year, a group of northern bald ibis chicks are hand-raised by human caregivers, creating a strong bond of trust between bird and human. These foster parents then guide the young ibis on their migration journey south for the winter. The birds follow a microlight aircraft, with their human companions offering words of encouragement along the way.
The traditional migration route over the Alps into Tuscany has become increasingly dangerous due to the climate crisis. As a result, the Waldrapp team has devised a new, longer route to Andalusia in Spain. This journey covers a distance of 1615 miles (2600km) and takes around 50 days to complete. The success of this new migration path has been instrumental in the survival of the species.
After the arduous journey, there comes a bittersweet moment of parting as the birds reach their winter destination. It will be three years before they return to their breeding grounds in Europe. The foster parents, who have nurtured and guided the ibis on their journey, must bid farewell to the birds they have come to know so well. Despite the sadness of the separation, it marks the culmination of a summer of hard work and dedication to the preservation of a species
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