site.btaTwenty-Five White Storks Released after Rehabilitation at Wildlife Rescue Centre in Stara Zagora

A total of 25 white storks rehabilitated at the Green Balkans Wildlife Rescue Centre in Stara Zagora were released into the wild near a small reservoir by the southern village of Znamenosets, Green Balkans said on Thursday. They can now continue their migration journey south for the winter season.

The released storks were brought to the Centre from various parts of the country. The reasons for their admission vary - early orphanhood, falling from the nest, exhaustion, emergencies, or injuries.

Prior to their release, all 25 storks underwent veterinary examinations, deworming, and banding. Students from the BARBATUS Student Ecology Club at Trakia University also participated in the preparations, as did children who had the opportunity to assist the veterinary specialists with their work. 

The birds were then transported to a small reservoir near the village of Znamenosets, where they were released into a nest constructed by the Rescue Centre’s team.

Among the released storks was Happy, who has attracted public attention in recent weeks. In late August, the healthy young bird was transported to the Rescue Centre in Bulgaria’s first animal ambulance because he was being fed by humans. According to Green Balkans, Happy most likely stopped for a brief rest during his migration, but the feeding suppressed his natural instinct to fly south.

Happy's case draws attention to the risks of feeding wild animals. Experts warn that systematic feeding can cause birds to become accustomed to human presence and suppress their natural behavior, while inappropriate food can cause health problems.

In early August, a total of 32 white storks raised and treated at the Wildlife Rescue Centre were released into the wild.

The White stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a protected species. In Bulgaria, the latest white stork population census revealed growing numbers and 9,527 nests last year.