Thunderstorm Gale kills 68 painted stork; destroys nest in Koonthankulam bird sanctuary

Madurai: In a tragic incident, the forest officials on Tuesday buried the carcass of 68 painted storks including 65 juveniles at Koonthankulam bird sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, where sudden thunderstorm damaged the nests of the birds.

According to reports, 14 birds have suffered fractures as they fell from the trees with branches falling on them. The birds were rushed to Veterinary College and Research Institute in Tirunelveli for medical treatment.

Koonthankulam bird sanctuary attracts more than 40 species of birds which includes painted stork, flamingoes and bar-headed goose.