Start of hand-raising of Northern Bald Ibises at Zoo Vienna
Newsletter 10/04/2021
After a one-year interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the time has come again. On April 8th, 16 Northern Bald Ibis chicks were taken from the breeding colony at Rosegg Zoo in Carinthia and brought to Zoo Vienna for hand raising. More chicks will follow in a few days until a total of 32 chicks will be reached.
This year, the two foster mothers are Helena Wehner and Katharina Huchler. They feed and care for the chicks and are there for them from morning to night. This creates a close and lasting social relationship, the mechanism behind it is called imprinting. It is a very demanding but also very fulfilling task. The caregivers develop a close relationship with the birds, which they trust them completely and follow them everywhere, even when they are in an ultra-light aircraft.
The COVID-19 pandemic is also affecting the implementation of this conservation project. Last year, hand-raising and reintroduction had to be suspended. Also this year we are facing the risk that the project cannot be carried out as planned. But the difference to last year is that the risks and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can be better assessed. The start of hand-raising is a reason for hope for the Waldrappteam and its partners - the project continues, despite all obstacles.
For the first time, the work of the two foster mothers can be observed via livestream, daily from 10:00 to 11:00 and from 16:00 to 17:00 via Youtube or Facebook.
Unfortunately, for the moment it is not possible to visit the breeding station at Schönbrunn Zoo due to the zoo's closure.
Photo: The two foster mothers Helena Wehner (right) and Katharina Huchler (left) taking over the chicks at Rosegg Zoo in Carinthia. Photo J Fritz
