FunNature & AnimalWhy do cows fly in Switzerland?

Why do cows fly in Switzerland?

On August 27, 2021, cows flew over the Alps in Switzerland , according to a Reuters report. As unusual as this phenomenon sounds, it was. However, these ruminants did not take off by their own means, but were transported by helicopter, hanging from a rope and a mesh harness. But for what reason?

During the summer, numerous herds of Swiss cows spend the summer grazing season in the high mountains of the Alps, in search of fresh, good-quality grass. To get to the best pastures, they must walk through areas where these bovids are exposed to different dangers, being able to have accidents that restrict their mobility.

This past summer, a dozen cows from a herd of more than a thousand heads suffered injuries that prevented them from following the rest. Faced with this situation, an air rescue operation was immediately launched. With no reported casualties, the cows were returned to the Urder Boden alpine region, in the center of the country, to be treated by a veterinarian. It is not clear if the flight of the cows included breakfast, but what is certain is that they were able to enjoy spectacular views. After the trip, the ruminants landed near the Port of Klausen, located at 1948 meters above sea level. Of course, the rest of the herd, which was in perfect condition, had to descend on their own feet to make it to the region’s annual cattle parade in time.

In an interview with Reuters , Jonas Arnold, a Swiss farmer, explains that “one reason why cows are transported by helicopter is that some cattle are in areas totally inaccessible by car and the other is that some are injured and not they can go down alone ”. When asked if this process can be traumatic for their women, between laughs, Arnold responds “I have never asked them how they feel after the flight, since they cannot answer me. But it is only a short and uneventful journey. Honestly, I have never noticed the difference between those who have flown and those who have come down on foot ”.

And it turns out that this phenomenon seems to be something common in the area at this time of year , a spectacle to which the Alpine inhabitants are more than accustomed. Being something so recurrent, will they use the expression ‘the day the cows fly’ in their villages?

References:

Reuters. (2021, August 28). Injured Swiss cows get helicopter ride from Alpine pastures. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/injured-swiss-cows-get-helicopter-ride-alpine-pastures-2021-08-27/

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