Bird migration Swissair flew endangered swallows to southern climes in 1974
Thousands of swallows died in 1974 due to the onset of winter. Helpers nursed up the remaining birds and made them fit for transportation to the south.
Image: Keystone
In 1974, the swallows were fed minced meat and mealworms before being transported south.
Image: Keystone
Swallows being transported to warmer climes in 1974.
Image: Keystone
In 1974, the swallows were regarded as "valuable goods" for Swissair.
Image: Keystone
Rescue operation for endangered swallows in 1974: Swissair flew the birds south in cardboard boxes. The picture shows them being loaded at Zurich-Kloten Airport on October 7.
Image: Keystone
On October 11, 1974, a Swissair plane with 9000 birds on board landed at Ellinikon Airport in Greece. There the birds were released from their transport boxes.
Image: Keystone
Thousands of swallows died in 1974 due to the onset of winter. Helpers nursed up the remaining birds and made them fit for transportation to the south.
Image: Keystone
In 1974, the swallows were fed minced meat and mealworms before being transported south.
Image: Keystone
Swallows being transported to warmer climes in 1974.
Image: Keystone
In 1974, the swallows were regarded as "valuable goods" for Swissair.
Image: Keystone
Rescue operation for endangered swallows in 1974: Swissair flew the birds south in cardboard boxes. The picture shows them being loaded at Zurich-Kloten Airport on October 7.
Image: Keystone
On October 11, 1974, a Swissair plane with 9000 birds on board landed at Ellinikon Airport in Greece. There the birds were released from their transport boxes.
Image: Keystone
The fall 50 years ago was a hard 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.
06.10.2024, 11:01
SDA
In this way, more than a million swallows were transported on the plane. They were regarded as so-called "baggage" on the flights.
However, this was only the most spectacular part of the rescues. In Switzerland, but also in Germany, environmental organizations and numerous volunteers launched an extensive species protection campaign.
The birds were captured: For nights on end, bird lovers took swallows from their nests and roosts to feed them minced meat and mealworms. Provided with this food, the birds were sent by car, train and, above all, by plane to warmer climes - such as the Mediterranean region.
