Europe's Disgrace: Two Northern Bald Ibises Shot Dead in Italy

The endangered migratory birds were part of an EU conservation project.

While Europe invests millions in species protection, the very same animals are being killed elsewhere by hobby hunters. A lesson in hypocrisy, tradition, and irresponsibility.

The Deadly South: Protected Status Ends at the Gun Barrel

Two Northern Bald Ibises, part of an EU reintroduction project, began their journey in Austria, stopped over in Switzerland, and successfully crossed the Alps. Shortly after the border near Dubino, Lombardy, they were shot dead, presumably by recreational hunters. The carcasses vanished; only their GPS trackers were found five days later by the military.

Once again, it is clear: the legal protection status of endangered species in Europe is not worth the paper it is written on.

Shot Like Refuse – The End of a Conservation Illusion

One of the killed birds, “Zoppo,” was a founding member of the project. He served as a mentor to younger birds of the same species, including Zaz, his adopted fledgling. Both died together. “This brutal act has not only taken one of the project's founding members, but has also deeply shocked the international community behind the reintroduction efforts,” says Roberta Pieroni, head of an Italian anti-poaching campaign.

But shock is no substitute for consequences. For years, millions of migratory birds have been shot, trapped, or poisoned across Southern Europe, often under the guise of “tradition.” Europe's authorities respond with rhetoric of concern – and then look away again.

When Tradition Becomes a License to Kill

In Italy, France, Malta, and Spain, hobby hunting has long held folkloric status. Under the guise of “cultural heritage,” cruel practices are legitimized that have nothing to do with a connection to nature. The fact that migratory birds such as the Northern Bald Ibis have no chance along these routes is not collateral damage, but a systemic failure.

Those who want to protect endangered species must not talk about “sustainable use,” but about an end to hunting privileges.

The Northern Bald Ibis that avoids Italy and survives

While shots are being fired in Lombardy, a Swiss Northern Bald Ibis shows that things can be different. The bird Knuckle stayed in Switzerland after losing contact with his family last year. Today he is regarded as a survival artist: “Since Knuckle missed the first migration, he no longer has any ambitions to fly to Italy,” says Johannes Fritz from the Waldrappteam.

Ironically, that is precisely what keeps him alive: he does not fly to where Europe shoots its wildlife.

Conclusion: Species protection ends where the hunting lobby begins

The shooting of the two Northern Bald Ibises is not a tragic isolated incident, but an expression of a sick system that tolerates the killing of animals as a leisure activity. As long as hunting is downplayed as “tradition” and authorities look the other way, all species conservation programmes remain nothing more than a costly fig leaf.

If Europe is serious about biodiversity, it finally needs to act with resolve:

• hunting bans along migratory routes,
• harsh penalties for poaching,
• and an end to romanticized hunting propaganda.

Until then, Northern Bald Ibises will continue to fly — and continue to die.

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