Since Istanbul is located on migration routes, electricity poles and high voltage lines in and around the city pose a risk for storks. Storks flying long distances can get electrocuted on electric poles when they land on high points to rest.
Storks injured by electric current in Istanbul during their journey are brought to Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for treatment and rehabilitation.
The treatment of storks with broken legs and wings, open wounds and tissue damage due to electric shock continues under the supervision of veterinarians.
While the legs of some storks are put in casts, the bandages of birds that have undergone surgery are checked regularly. The storks, who receive fracture treatment, wound care and supportive treatments, are preparing for the day they can fly again.
However, storks, especially those with severe injuries to their wings, are unlikely to fly again. For this reason, some of the birds injured during the migration period cannot join their flocks and continue their journey to Africa.
While the treatment of approximately 60 storks brought to the faculty this year continues, at least half of them will not be able to fly again and participate in migration, especially due to injuries to their wings.
Some of the storks that were able to fly were released into nature after their treatment was completed and continued their migration journey.
Although some of the storks that are undergoing treatment are able to return to nature, birds that are seriously injured and lose the ability to fly are expected to need care in the next part of their lives.
"Those with broken wings cannot fly again"
Serhan Coşkun, Research Assistant at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Wild Animal Diseases and Ecology, gave information to the AA reporter about the treatment process of storks and the injuries caused by electric current.
Stating that approximately 60 storks were brought to the faculty for treatment this year, Coşkun said, "Especially the storks we see here come for reasons such as electric shock and gunshot wounds after migration. During migrations from Europe to Africa, such things are often encountered in our country and repeat every year. On average, around 60 came this year." he said.
Coşkun noted that different types of injuries can be seen in storks that are electrocuted and said, "After electric shock, wing and leg fractures occur due to falling. Apart from this, tissue deaths, conditions we call necrosis, and open wounds can occur. In the most advanced cases, we see many deaths." he said.
Stating that the storks were brought to the faculty through Nature Conservation and National Parks, Coşkun said that citizens were also able to deliver injured animals with their own means.
Coşkun stated that storks whose condition is worse, whose legs or wings are cast or who have undergone surgery cannot return to nature, and added:
"They have a slightly higher chance in case of leg fractures, but those with wing fractures cannot fly again and cannot participate in the migration again. Here we perform the necessary operative interventions, fracture repairs and general wound treatments. We take care of them for a long time. Apart from that, we also provide them with painkillers and supportive treatments during this process. At least half of the 60 storks will definitely not be able to fly or participate in the migration again. They will need to be cared for for life from now on."
"We sent some of those who could fly"
Pointing out that migration is an important part of the natural life of storks, Coşkun continued his words as follows:
"Migration is an event in their nature. Migrations towards warm climates usually occur. The fact that they will not be able to do this again, that they will always stay in one place, and that they will live in a cage, affects them in general. Because it is not in the general nature of animals to stay in a fixed place. In general, not being able to join the herd is not very healthy for them. Because animals are very stressed."
Coşkun said that living in cages and captivity affects both the general condition and feeding activities of wild animals and said, "We sent some of those who could fly. They joined the migration. Now the migrations are slowly ending. It does not seem possible for us to send more this year. Because the rest are sick, those who are difficult to return to, and those who are in good condition at all." he said.
Referring to the risk posed by power lines for storks, Coşkun said, "As a result of power lines going above ground through poles and wires, rather than underground, animals actually try to land on them by using them as a branch or a perch. Electric shocks are very common due to the lack of insulation of electric poles. These electric shock situations are very common in places where train lines and high voltages are located." he said.
Coşku noted that in order to prevent this, works such as passing power lines underground, insulating electricity poles and preventing storks from landing on the poles can be done.
"Istanbul remains on the direct migration route"
Stating that Istanbul is on an important migration route, Coşkun said, "Istanbul remains on the direct migration route. Especially locations such as Küçükçekmece, Çatalca and the Thrace region remain on the direct migration route. There are also many electricity poles and high voltage lines here." he said.
Coşkun stated that many storks died this year in the area where high voltage lines are located in Küçükçekmece, and said, "This year, around 80 storks were directly found dead. There were 40 storks rescued from there. When some of them came back, we intervened here and they died. Some of them are still continuing the treatment process." he said.
Stating that citizens who see an injured stork should inform the Nature Conservation and National Parks teams, Coşkun asked citizens to act carefully in cases where they need to intervene with their own means.
Coşkun said, "They can calmly approach the animal with the help of a large towel, cover it with the towel or place it correctly, take the animal calmly and place it in a box by fixing its wings and feet. Any bag or cage may not be very healthy because it has wings. The box is always healthier instead. It is beneficial to bring it in a dark, closed and quiet place." he said.
Pointing out the importance of protecting the habitats of wild animals, Coşkun stated that not only storks but also many wild animals were injured for similar reasons.
Coşkun stated that the habitats of these animals should be protected and an environment should be provided to prevent deaths as much as possible.
