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Mourning for Dieter Wend: Mörtitz's stork father has died!
Dieter Wend, the “stork father” from Mörtitz, died on July 16, 2025. He was known for his commitment to protecting the corncrake.
Mourning for Dieter Wend: Mörtitz's stork father has died!
A sad loss for the nature conservation community: Dieter Wend, known as “Storkfather”, died in Mörtitz at the age of 66. Wend lived with his family in the community of Doberschütz, where he was not only a loving father of four children, but also a passionate bird breeder. He inspired his younger brother Karsten Wend to follow in the footsteps of a stork father. A very special connection was created between the two when 13-year-old Karsten took responsibility for three orphaned young storks while recovering from a broken leg.
Dieter Wend was a key figure in bird conservation, particularly for the endangered species of corncrake. He was the only breeder who received a breeding permit from the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation for this species, which is considered to be threatened with extinction in Germany and Europe. His expertise and commitment went far beyond breeding; He gave specialist lectures, including in London, and advised institutions such as the Leipzig Zoo on important projects such as the occupation of the African savannah.
A life for nature
Dieter Wend managed up to twelve ponds and aviaries on his property, in which he raised a variety of bird species. He was particularly interested in the elusive corncrake, which is becoming increasingly rare in Switzerland and Germany. According to naturschutz.ch, the species depends on species-rich and large meadows in order to breed successfully and raise its offspring.
The threat to the corncrake is primarily due to habitat loss due to intensive agriculture, drainage and the use of pesticides. These themes have been central to Wend's work and commitment to preserving habitat for these secretive birds. According to bfn.de, the corncrake (Crex crex) is one of the most endangered species in Germany and forms an important part of national species aid programs.
Memories and commitment
Wend was known not only for his specialist knowledge, but also for his friendly and calm demeanor. He was a popular conversation partner on conservation issues and people in the community appreciated him for his willingness to help, even with electrical problems in the neighborhood.
His achievements were also recognized in the media: MDR dedicated a program to him in which his passion for nature and his extraordinary contributions to species protection were highlighted. Zoo director Jörg Junhold, among others, appeared in the program as a decoy.
On July 19th, Dieter Wend will be buried at 10 a.m. in the Mörtitz cemetery. The community will remember him as a tireless conservation fighter and a loving family man. His commitment to the corncrake and many other bird species will be missed, as will his calm and level-headed nature, which always created a place for nature where others only saw advertisements.