- The wild hen population in Torrevieja’s Parque de las Naciones has grown to over 700 birds since their release in 2014.
- The City Council launched a €26,296 tender to capture and relocate the hens to a sanctuary.
- Winning company Ecoplanín Xestión e Información Ambiental withdrew due to contractual misunderstandings.
- The municipality faces limited options, as few companies specialize in capturing and relocating live animals.
- Residents are divided: some see the hens as an attraction, others as a nuisance and health risk.
- the City Council continues to seek effective solutions amid community debate.
The Unusual Wild Hen Problem in Torrevieja’s Parque de las Naciones
Torrevieja, a seaside city in Spain, has found itself grappling with a surprising issue: a rapidly growing population of wild hens in its popular Parque de las Naciones. What began in 2014 as the abandonment of about 40 hens by a local resident has grown into a flock exceeding 700 birds, causing challenges for both park management and city authorities.
Background: How Did Over 700 Wild Hens Appear in the Park?
The population explosion started nearly a decade ago when, according to city officials, a neighbor abandoned around 40 hens in the park, an area usually known for ducks and peacocks. Over the years, these hens multiplied largely unchecked, turning what was once a modest group into a significant “plaga” (plague) that now struggles to be controlled.
City Council’s Attempted Solution and Setbacks
in response to increasing concerns about the growing population, the Torrevieja City Council launched a public tender in january with a budget of €26,296 aimed at capturing and relocating up to 700 hens alive to an animal sanctuary.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tender Budget | €26,296 |
| Winning Bid | €19,600 by Ecoplanín Xestión e Información ambiental |
| Contract Goal | Capture and relocate 700 hens alive |
| Outcome | Contract withdrawn by Ecoplanín |
Ecoplanín Xestión e Información Ambiental, a Galician company specializing in pest control, won the tender with a €19,600 offer. Though, the company later withdrew from the contract, citing misunderstandings regarding the project’s requirements.A key stumbling block was the obligation to set up and manage a sanctuary for the hens after capture, a responsibility Ecoplanín had not anticipated.
The Challenge of Managing and Rehoming wild Hens
relocating this many live animals is no simple task. Most companies bidding on such tenders specialize in pest elimination, not in humanely capturing and relocating live animals. This lack of specialization severely limits the City Council’s options for quickly solving the problem.
Community Opinions: Attraction or Nuisance?
- Supporters: Some locals enjoy the hens as an added charm in the park,believing they enhance the area’s natural ambiance.
- Critics: Others see the birds as a nuisance, citing concerns over noise, cleanliness, and potential health issues.
Such division complicates decision-making and adds a social dimension to what might or else be a straightforward animal management issue.
What Lies Ahead for Torrevieja’s Wild hens?
The City Council now faces the urgent task of finding a new company capable of both capturing and properly relocating the hens, including providing sanctuary space. This may require reopening tenders or negotiating contracts with companies capable of fulfilling these specific conditions.
Meanwhile, the hens continue to reproduce, keeping pressure on park services and city management. The matter remains a contentious and elaborate puzzle for officials and residents alike.
Key Takeaways
- The city’s initial plan failed due to underestimated contract demands and lack of specialized companies.
- Handling over 700 live wild hens requires significant expertise and resources.
- Community opinions differ, reflecting the balance needed between wildlife management and public preferences.
- Torrevieja’s experience highlights the complexity of urban wildlife management challenges in modern cities.
As Torrevieja works toward a sustainable solution, the story sheds light on how seemingly small actions-like abandoning 40 hens-can lead to unforeseen environmental and administrative challenges.
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