On September 13, 2025, Hans the red kite returned to fly in the skies of Aspromonte. Born in Switzerland and released in the Aspromonte National Park in August 2024, on May 6, 2025, the young bird of prey survived a close encounter with a wind turbine blade in central Calabria. Passing through a wind farm left him alive but injured, with damage to his plumage and small fractures to the tip of his right wing.
Despite flying poorly, Hans managed to reach the nearby town of Catanzaro Lido, where he stopped in a city park. Some volunteers managed to capture him and then deliver him to the Catanzaro Wildlife Recovery Center.
Hans was then transferred to the Wildlife Recovery Center of the San Giuliano Reserve in Basilicata, where, after receiving treatment and undergoing a period of rehabilitation in a suitable aviary, he was able to recover his physical fitness.
Transferred by staff from the Calabrian Ornithology Station to the release area for red kites within the Aspromonte National Park, the young red kite was given back its freedom.
