Arctic terns undertake the longest migration of any animal, travelling from Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back each year, facing welfare challenges at every stage.
Arctic terns face welfare challenges at every stage of their annual cycle. On breeding grounds, disturbance by people and introduced predators causes acute stress and breeding failure. During migration, birds crossing open ocean must find sufficient food to sustain flight over thousands of kilometres. Storms and adverse weather can cause exhaustion and disorientation. Climate change affecting the timing of fish and zooplankton availability on breeding grounds impairs chick nutrition. These welfare impacts compound across an animal capable of living 30+ years.