Migratory white stork dies in Somalia after 5,000-kilometer journey from Europe

Tuesday September 8, 2026

Garowe (HOL) — A migratory white stork that traveled more than 5,000 kilometers from Europe to Somalia has died in Dhuudo, a small town in Bandarbayla district of Puntland’s Karkaar region.

In a statement on Monday, Puntland’s Ministry of Environment, Pasture and Climate Change said the bird, a white stork with the scientific name Ciconia ciconia, was tagged UK43.

The ministry said the bird was born on May 7, 2026, in Szécsény, Hungary, and was tagged on June 10 at the age of 34 days.

According to the ministry, the stork reached the Dhuudo area after 87 days, having traveled about 5,180 kilometers.

The bird died in Dhuudo on Sept. 5, 2026.

Somalia lies along the African-Eurasian Flyway, a major migratory route for birds traveling between Europe, Asia and Africa.

Most migratory birds arrive in Somalia between August and October, according to the ministry.

The Puntland Ministry of Environment called on the public to report any marked wildlife or animals in need of assistance.