After wintering 6 months in warmer regions, the largest colony of storks in Belgium has started to return to the fold.
The caregivers have already identified 10 new residents in addition to the 20 birds living all year round at the ZOO Planckendael.
This year, the storks returned earlier than usual.
Their early return is probably due to the abnormal mildness of this winter.
As tradition dictates, the nests of our blessed boarders are meticulously maintained by our gardeners and our technical service to make our feathered friends feel completely at ease.
A good, cozy little nest is important because a stork is first loyal to its nest and then to its partner.
The park even houses a real hotel for storks in front of the rhinos.
Our love for storks takes us beyond the borders of the park.
The ZOO Planckendael is managed by the Royal Society of Zoology of Antwerp which also oversees the nature reserve at Geel, De Zegge.
Here too we want to offer a beautiful breeding ground for storks.
The ZOO Planckendael has provided platforms which will be placed in the nature reserve before the start of the breeding period.
The ZOO Planckendael is very happy to welcome the storks again.
We can't wait to hear their characteristic crackles which we hope will spawn many storks. To be continued…
Check out fantastic images on www.zooplanckendael.be
