Italy’s Wildlife Protections at Risk Under Proposed New Bill
In Italy, wildlife protection and hunting regulations are governed by national law and must also comply with European Union conservation rules, particularly those protecting migratory birds during breeding and migration periods. Bill 1552, currently under discussion in the Italian Senate, would significantly weaken several of these safeguards.
Proceedings of the International Northern Bald Ibis Symposium 2025 published
In March 2025, the International Northern Bald Ibis Symposium took place in Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia. The event brought together 66 participants from 14 countries, who exchanged views on current developments in research, reintroduction, and international cooperation.
Nature conservation needs LIFE – now more than ever! sent
At the European level, crucial decisions are currently being made that will shape the future of environmental and nature conservation funding. In the course of negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) of the European Union, there is a real risk that the LIFE Programme could lose its status as an independent funding instrument.
Remembering Zoppo and Zaz: From Tragedy to Awareness sent
The story of Zoppo and Zaz continues to resonate, transforming a tragic loss into moments of remembrance and awareness. The two Northern Bald Ibises were illegally shot last year during their autumn migration in northern Italy, in the Province of Sondrio, less than an hour after crossing the Alps—an incident that highlighted the ongoing threat of poaching along key migration routes and the vulnerability of even closely monitored birds.
Kickoff of Hand-Raising 2026:The First Chicks in Good Hands
The hand-raising season for our Northern Bald Ibis chicks has begun. At Tierpark Rosegg, the first six chicks, aged three to eight days, were taken from four nests of the breeding colony. Zookeeper Lynne Hafner carried out the collection as always with great care.
Release in Empordà: Establishment of a Northern Bald Ibis Colony in Catalonia
As the human-led migration in 2025 did not go according to plan, all 29 juvenile birds were handed over into the care of our partner organization, the ALIVE Foundation, in early October in Empordà, Catalonia.There, they were kept over the winter in a large acclimatization aviary together with 19 juvenile birds hand-raised at Zoobotánico Jerez and prepared for their release.
Spanish Court Ruling Sends Strong Signal Against Poaching of Northern Bald Ibises
Northern Bald Ibis in Spain (Foto: B.Steininger)
Spanish Court Ruling Sends Strong Signal Against Poaching of Northern Bald Ibises
In a landmark decision with international relevance, a Spanish court has upheld a prison sentence for the illegal killing of four Northern Bald Ibises, clearly affirming that the poaching of this critically endangered species is a serious criminal offence with real consequences.
2025: A Year of Challenges – and Encouraging Developments
The year 2025 was challenging for the project in many ways. There were numerous losses, partly due to human influences and partly due to natural causes. The first birds that had independently returned from Andalusia to Baden-Württemberg.
Season Review: Tragic Losses and New Hope along the Spanish Northern Bald Ibis Migration Route
The year is drawing to a close, and it has been some time since our last newsletter. Before we conclude the year, we would like to update you once again on key events and new insights from our project.
Within One Hour of Arrival: Two Northern Bald Ibises Shot in Italy
On 16 October, two of our project birds, Zoppo and Zaz, were illegally shot during their autumn migration in the Province of Sondrio in northern Italy – less than one hour after successfully crossing the Alps. Thanks to their GPS transmitters, the incident was detected immediately and authorities were notified at once, enabling rapid response measures.