Vienna, Austria – Two northern bald ibises from Schönbrunn Zoo were flown to Spain last week to be released into the wild as part of Projecte Ibis Ermità. Their new home is the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l’Empordà in Catalonia.

“The two Schönbrunn northern bald ibises will be part of the first wild, resident northern bald ibis colony in the region. A significant milestone for this highly endangered bird species. We are very proud to be able to make an important contribution here,” said Zoo Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck.

The birds are currently in a release aviary, where they are acclimating to their surroundings and fellow ibises. A total of 30 northern bald ibises from zoos are expected to be released into the wild before summer.

Once eradicated from Europe by humans in the 17th century, northern bald ibises lost their migratory tradition when the last wild bird died. Unable to overwinter independently in Central Europe, the species relied on human guidance to relearn migration routes.

As part of an EU LIFE project, zoo-hatched ibises are guided to Spain, where they find sufficient food year-round, allowing resident colonies to form.

“Zoos play a central role in the conservation of animal species because they can establish stable reserve populations. This is a prerequisite for reintroduction projects like this one in Spain to be possible at all,” explained Dr. Eveline Dungl, head of the zoological department.

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