It is said that true love knows no bounds. Many species will go above and beyond what is comfortable or even natural to be with the one that they love. You may think that only humans are capable of this kind of love and devotion, but animals continue to prove otherwise.
Klepetan and Malena are two storks from Croatia. Storks do not always mate for life, but they do return to the same nest each year, with the same mate. Klepetan has proven to everyone that he is wholly devoted to Malena, even if thousands of miles separate them.
The two birds met in Croatia, right on top of a house belonging to Stjepan Vokić. He has cared for the two birds since they first nested there, bringing them buckets of fish. When Malena was injured by a hunter, she could no longer fly south, and he cares for her year round.
Stjepan does not have to care for Klepetan throughout the entire year, though. Because he can still fly, he makes the annual migration south with the other storks. His trip is more than 8,000 miles! But each year, without fail, he returns to his true love, Malena.
Together, throughout the years, the two birds have raised more than forty baby storks. Thanks to Stjepan, they have a safe place to nest and raise their young, and Malena is kept safe even though she can’t fly.
Because of Youtube and attention from a local news station in Croatia, these two birds have become celebrities in their right. It’s hard not to fall for their love story and get swept up in the romance of it all. When things get difficult, just remember that there is plenty of love out there in the world, sometimes in unexpected places.
Watch their story below and tell us what you think in the comments!
