Successful rescue of Turkish fisherman’s stork-friend, Yaren’s chick
The chick of "Yaren" the stork, which was taken from its nest in Bursa's Karacabey district due to exhaustion, has been returned to the nest after treatment, Bursa, Türkiye, June 11, 2024. (AA Photo)
The remarkable story of Yaren, a stork known for her enduring friendship with fisherman Adem Yilmaz, continues to capture hearts worldwide.
Recently, one of Yaren’s chicks, which was weakened and in distress, was rescued and treated successfully, marking another chapter in this heartwarming tale.
Yaren’s chick was found frail in its nest in Eskikaraagac Stork Village, located near Uluabat Lake. This village is well-known for its unique place in the European Stork Villages Association.
Recognizing the chick’s distress, Karacabey Municipality promptly intervened and took the chick to Doga Koruma ve Milli Parklar 2. Bolge Mudurlugu Rehabilitation Center for intensive care.
Intensive care, successful recovery
Haci Ahmet Cicek, Director of the Regional Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, provided insights into the rehabilitation process. “When the chick arrived, it showed signs of dehydration, mineral loss, and infection,” said Cicek. Veterinary staff administered a robust nutritional and antibiotic regimen. They closely monitored the chick’s recovery, starting with direct feeding and gradually transitioning to self-feeding. This careful care allowed the chick to regain strength and health.
On May 30, the rehabilitated chick returned to its nest, reuniting with its family. Yilmaz expressed joy, saying: “We were delighted when Yaren had four chicks. Unfortunately, two were lost due to harsh weather, and the third fell ill. Seeing it healthy and back in the nest brings us immense happiness.”
Unique friendship between stork Yaren, fisherman Adem Yilmaz
Yaren’s story began over a decade ago when she first landed on Yilmaz’s boat. For 13 years, she has returned to Eskikaraagac every spring, spending the warmer months with Yilmaz. This unique bond has turned the village into a symbol of hope and friendship, attracting numerous visitors and international attention. Their tale was even featured in a documentary, “Yaren,” which won accolades at the Prague Film Awards in 2019.
The story of Yaren and Yilmaz has not only brought fame to the village but also boosted local tourism. Eskikaraagac now sees thousands of visitors annually, eager to witness this extraordinary friendship firsthand. A statue in the village square immortalizes the duo’s story, and a live broadcast allows nature enthusiasts to observe Yaren’s nest 24/7.
Village’s growing popularity, future plans
Eskikaraagac Stork Village, representing Türkiye in the European Stork Villages Union, is located on a significant migration route where tens of thousands of storks pass through each year. The village not only hosts migrating storks but also has resident ones. This has made it a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers.
To cater to the growing interest, Karacabey Mayor Ali Ozkan announced plans to attach trackers to Yaren’s chicks. This will allow for the tracking of their migration routes and enhance the understanding of their journey. The live broadcast of Yaren’s Nest, available on YouTube, has also become a hit, allowing people worldwide to connect with this heartwarming story.
Ongoing observation and care for Yaren and her family, including the use of tracking methods like GPS, ensure that their journey continues to inspire. As the migration season approaches, there is renewed excitement to see Yaren and her family embark on their next adventure, symbolizing resilience and the enduring power of friendship.
