Image Source: Associated Press (AP)

In a stunning example of wildlife restoration, the northern bald ibis, a bird once driven to extinction in Europe by the 17th century, is making a comeback. Known for its striking black and iridescent green feathers and long, curved beak, this species has been successfully reintroduced to Europe, but now faces a new challenge: learning how to migrate.

The northern bald ibis, or Waldrapp in German, once populated Europe, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. By the early 1600s, however, overhunting led to its extinction in Europe. Although some colonies survived in other regions, the bird was lost to Europe—until recent efforts revived it.

For the past two decades, a dedicated group of scientists and conservationists, led by biologist Johannes Fritz and the Austrian-based Waldrappteam, have worked diligently to reestablish the species. Since the project began in 2002, the Central European population has grown from zero to nearly 300, moving the species from “critically endangered” to “endangered.”

Yet, reintroducing a species to its former range involves more than just repopulation. The northern bald ibis, like many migratory birds, depends on ancestral knowledge to navigate its migration routes. Without wild-born elders to guide them, the reintroduced birds face a significant challenge: they lack the instinctual knowledge of where to migrate.

To address this, the Waldrappteam has devised a unique strategy. Chicks are taken from their breeding colonies at just a few days old and placed in an aviary managed by foster parents. This process, known as “imprinting,” helps the birds bond with the humans who will later guide them during migration.

Barbara Steininger, a foster mother with the Waldrappteam, describes her role with care. “I act like their bird mom,” she says. “We feed them, clean their nests, and ensure their health. We also interact with them to build a strong bond.”

As the birds grow, they are prepared for their migration with hands-on training. Steininger and other foster parents use a microlight aircraft—a small plane that resembles a flying go-kart with a giant fan and a yellow parachute—to lead the birds. From this unusual vantage point, they wave and encourage the birds through a bullhorn as they navigate the skies.

The sight is both unusual and heartwarming: thirty-six birds following the microlight, piloted by Fritz, as it glides over alpine meadows and foothills. This method, though unconventional, has proven effective. The young ibises follow the microlight, learning the migration route from their human guides.

Fritz drew inspiration from “Father Goose” Bill Lishman, a naturalist who began training Canadian geese to fly alongside his ultralight plane in 1988. Lishman’s work, which included guiding endangered whooping cranes and founding the nonprofit “Operation Migration,” inspired the 1996 film Fly Away Home. Fritz and his team have built on Lishman’s pioneering approach.

In 2011, the first northern bald ibis independently migrated from Tuscany back to Bavaria, marking a significant milestone. Since then, more birds have successfully flown the 550-kilometer (342-mile) route annually. The team aims to increase the Central European population to over 350 by 2028 and establish a self-sustaining group.

However, climate change has introduced new difficulties. The Waldrapp now migrate later in the season, forcing them to cross the Alps in colder, more hazardous conditions and without the warm air currents that aid their flight. In response, the team adjusted their route in 2023 to span from Bavaria to Andalusia in southern Spain.