The reintroduction of white storks to England after centuries of absence raises welfare considerations about reintroduction management and long-term viability.
White stork reintroduction welfare requires attention to multiple phases: the welfare of birds in the initial reintroduction process, the challenges of adaptation to English conditions, and the risks of migration for birds raised without experienced migratory companions. Supplementary feeding during the establishment phase reduces the energetic stress of adapting to an unfamiliar prey base. Birds raised at Knepp may not have the migratory experience of their wild continental relatives, making navigation welfare uncertain. The long-term welfare of the reintroduced population depends on successful integration of supplementary feeding reduction with development of self-sustaining foraging in the restored wetland and woodland habitats of the Knepp rewilding project.