White Stork Travels 5,180 Kilometres From Hungary Before Dying in Somalia

GAROWE, Somalia — A white stork that migrates between Europe and Africa has died in Puntland’s Dhuudo area of Bandar-bayla district in Somalia’s Karkaar region, the Puntland Ministry of Environment, Pasture and Climate Change said.

The bird, known as a white stork and scientifically as Ciconia ciconia, was carrying a tracking ring marked UK43, according to the ministry.

The ministry said the stork was born on May 7, 2026, in the Hungarian town of Szécsény. It was fitted with the UK43 ring on June 10, when it was 34 days old.

According to the ministry, the bird reached Dhuudo 87 days later, having travelled an estimated 5,180 kilometres along its migration route.

Somalia lies along the African-Eurasian Flyway, one of the major migration routes used by birds travelling between Europe, Africa and parts of Asia. Migratory birds commonly arrive in Somalia between August and October.

The stork died in Dhuudo on September 5, 2026, the ministry said.

The circumstances of its death were not given.

Puntland’s environment ministry urged residents to report any encounters with marked wildlife or animals that appear injured or in need of assistance, saying such information can help authorities monitor and protect wildlife.

GAROWE ONLINE