Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio

From a crumbling fortress to a haven for wildlife, the Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio has undergone an incredible transformation. The Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio began its life in the heart of Sant’Alessio con Vialone, within the walls of the ancient castle. In 1973, Antonia and Harry Salamon purchased the castle and surrounding lands. They envisioned a sanctuary where endangered species could thrive and eventually return to the wild. Their dream began to take shape with the establishment of a breeding program for peregrine falcons in 1977. This program became the most important of its kind in Europe, a testament to the Salamons’ dedication. The Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio also became a refuge for the white stork, a bird absent from Italy for five centuries. The Salamons successfully reintroduced these elegant birds. They also established a colony of black-winged stilts. By 1984, they had raised and released 127 of these striking birds. The Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio wasn’t just a breeding ground; it was a beacon of hope for numerous species. In 1983, Roberto Gatti, the Environmental Councillor of the Province of Pavia, recognized the sanctuary’s importance. He designated a 100-hectare protected area around the Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio. The Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio partners with LIPU, the Italian League for Bird Protection. This collaboration ensures that the animals raised at the sanctuary are successfully reintroduced into appropriate habitats throughout Italy. In 1993, economic challenges forced the Salamons to rethink their approach. They opened the Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio to the public. They created new enclosures and spaces, allowing visitors to experience the wonders within. The Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio houses a diverse range of animals. There is a dedicated tropical area with greenhouses, aquariums, and terrariums. A separate area showcases Italian and European fauna. The Oasi continues the Salamons’ original mission. They breed and reintroduce various Italian bird species, such as the Eurasian spoonbill, the Egyptian vulture, the hoopoe, the kingfisher, and the little grebe. The sanctuary’s commitment extends beyond native species. They also work with international researchers to protect select tropical species. The Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio is more than just a collection of animals. It is a center for research on animal care and conservation. The sanctuary supports breeding programs. They even use incubators to ensure the survival of rare and endangered species. The Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio has become a haven for storks, which nest in and around the sanctuary. Their presence is a symbol of the Oasi’s success in restoring balance to the natural world. The Oasi Naturalistica di Sant’Alessio invites you to witness this remarkable story of transformation. From a fortress protecting people to a sanctuary protecting wildlife.