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Let’s save the Hungarian swallows!
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The Hungarian swallows are very close to extinction. In order to protect them, the Let’s save the swallows! Facebook group was formed. Our interviewee is one of the founders of the group, Tamás Tóth, who talks about the cause and how they are trying to get more people involved.
Members of the Mentsük meg a fecskéket! [Let’s save the swallows!] Facebook group, among other things, put out artificial nests for the birds, and they also popularise swallow diapers to convince people that there is a way to live with the birds in a more hygienic way.
You are known as a huge bird- and animal lover. Do you remember when and how this care for these creatures started? Did you have pets as a child?
Instead of cartoons, I grew up on David Attenborough’s nature documentaries. I learnt to care for animals from my father. When I was a child, I wanted to become a biologist or a veterinarian. Of course, my interests changed later, but this care for animals never went away. We lived in the countryside while I was growing up, and it was always natural for me to have all kinds of animals around me. Now, I only have fish at home.
Is this your first organisation to protect an animal species? Do you think you will speak out for other animals in the future?
This is my first initiative. I am a member of the Hungarian Organisation for Ornithology and Nature Conservation (MME), but I took part in the protection of birds more actively when I was a teen. I know nothing of the future. Protecting the local swallows is of the utmost importance for me right now.
You mentioned in a previous interview that you asked local governments to help with your swallow initiative. Did you get any positive responses? How helpful are local governments in the matter?
Unfortunately, this part of my initiative did not turn out to be successful. Luckily, there are a few positive examples, but many governments only asked for advice or legal guidance. However, we will visit Hajdúnánás on 20 April to put artificial nests on the government building with the mayor’s help.