Summer's Incredible Migration Journey

Have you heard the story of Summer, the Whooper Swan? This little bird has completed a journey that goes beyond a simple migratory flight, a truly moving tale. Inheriting the genes of its father, 'Wing', Summer has become the first recorded case of a swan independently completing a round trip of 2,300km between Korea and Russia. Although Summer's father was unfortunately unable to fly due to a hunter's gun, Summer has carried on his legacy, fully recovering its wild life.

The Importance of Wild Adaptation Training

Summer underwent systematic wild adaptation training at the Eulsukdo Waterfowl Alternative Habitat in Busan. Avian experts assess this case not merely as survival, but as an achievement of fully restoring its wild migratory instincts. This serves as a crucial example demonstrating the potential for Whooper Swans to thrive in the wild even after artificial rearing. The Nakdong River Estuary Eco-Center in Busan recently confirmed that Summer departed for its Russian breeding grounds in the spring of 2025, returned to Gyeongbuk in the fall to spend the winter, and then came back to Eulsukdo.

Summer's Flight Path

Summer's flight path is truly astonishing. In the spring of 2025, Summer began its first flight equipped with a GPS device. Traveling through Ulsan and North Korea, it arrived in Primorsky Krai, Russia. As autumn arrived, it headed back to Korea. In March 2026, Summer returned to Eulsukdo, staying for over a month to feed, and then departed for Russia again in April. In this manner, Summer has effectively completed a 10,000-li journey, a round trip between Russia, its father's homeland, and Korea, twice.

The Significance of the Nakdong River Estuary

Seo Jin-won, the director of the Nakdong River Estuary Eco-Center, stated, "The fact that Summer returned to Busan after going to its native breeding grounds in Russia proves how precious and safe the Nakdong River Estuary is as a haven for migratory birds." Summer's story transcends the simple movement of a single bird; it is part of a larger journey towards creating the world's best habitat where humans and nature coexist. We hope such success stories continue in the future.

Through Summer's story, we are reminded once again of the importance of harmonious coexistence with nature. We encourage you all to fly towards your dreams, just like Summer!