Swissair flew endangered swallows to southern climes in 1974
Published: Sunday, Oct 6th 2024, 11:20
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The fall 50 years ago was a tough time for native birds. Thousands of house martins and barn swallows died due to a sudden and prolonged onset of winter. As part of the rescue operation, Swissair flew endangered birds south in cardboard boxes.
More than a million swallows were transported on the plane in this way. They were regarded as so-called "baggage" on the flights.
However, this was only the most spectacular part of the rescues. In Switzerland, as well as in Germany, environmental organizations and numerous volunteers launched an extensive species protection campaign.
The birds were trapped for this purpose: For nights on end, bird lovers took swallows from their nests and roosts to feed them minced meat and mealworms. Equipped with this food, the birds were sent to warmer climes - such as the Mediterranean - by car, train and above all by plane.
©Keystone/SDA
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