Hamburg, December 24 – The Hamburg Swan Service team, responsible for animal rescue operations in the city, reported a record-breaking year with over 1,700 missions in 2025. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, where approximately 1,300 annual operations were typical, according to Swan Father Olaf Nieß.
Bird Flu Contributes to Increased Workload
The substantial rise in rescue efforts is largely attributed to a high number of bird flu incidents throughout the year. Nieß described the volume of work as “truly enormous.” The ten-member team is not only responsible for Hamburg’s famous Alster swans but also for various other helpless wild animals across the city.
According to [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/vogelgrippe-so-ist-der-stand-in-hamburg,vogelgrippe-312.html), as of November 11, 2025, 50 cases of bird flu were detected in wild birds in Hamburg, primarily affecting cranes, geese, a hawk, and a seagull. No captive animals were reported to be infected. Olaf Nieß advises the public to maintain distance from wild birds and report any deceased birds to the local district office. The Alster swans were preemptively moved to their winter quarters in the Wildtierstation in Ohlsdorf, as reported by [hamburg.t-online.de](https://hamburg.t-online.de/region/hamburg/id_101033038/vogelgrippe-in-hamburg-so-geht-es-den-alsterschwaenen.html).
The Role of the Hamburg Swan Service
The Hamburg Swan Service ([hamburg-schwanenvater-niess.de](http://www.hamburg-schwanenvater-niess.de/)) plays a crucial role in the city’s wildlife protection. Their duties include:
- Rescuing animals from emergency situations
- Implementing conservation measures
- Monitoring the health of Hamburg’s aquatic wildlife
- Executing animal welfare initiatives
The team’s dedication ensures the well-being of the city’s diverse animal population, particularly during challenging periods like the recent bird flu outbreaks. The prompt collection of deceased birds is vital for monitoring the infection spread, with almost all collected birds sent to the Hamburg Hygiene Institute for examination. As of early December, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut reported nearly 2,000 infected wild birds nationwide, alongside 165 outbreaks in poultry and zoo birds.
Community Involvement and Future Outlook
The increased workload highlights the importance of public awareness and cooperation in reporting distressed animals. Residents are encouraged to contact authorities when encountering sick or injured wildlife. Despite the challenges, the Hamburg Swan Service remains committed to its mission, ensuring the safety and health of the city’s animal inhabitants.
The current situation underscores the dynamic nature of wildlife health challenges and the continuous efforts required to address them effectively. The Swan Service will maintain a high level of vigilance, especially concerning the Alster swans, until the winter season concludes.
Source: ndr.de
