What Is Migration?
Migration is when animals make long, regular journeys from one place to another, usually at the same time each year. These are not random wanderings — migrating animals follow the same routes their species has used for thousands of years!
The most common reason animals migrate is to follow food and good weather. When winter approaches and food becomes scarce, many animals travel to warmer places where food is still abundant. When spring returns, they travel back to their home territory.
Some animals migrate to find safe places to have babies. Sea turtles swim hundreds of miles to lay eggs on the same beach where they were born. Caribou travel to areas with fewer predators to give birth to their calves.
Other animals migrate to find water. In Africa, millions of wildebeest follow the seasonal rains across the Serengeti, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth.
Migration is not easy — it requires enormous energy and can be very dangerous. But the benefits of reaching food, warmth, and safe breeding grounds make the journey worthwhile.
**Wow Factor:** The Arctic tern holds the record for the longest migration of any animal. It flies from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back every year — a round trip of about 44,000 miles!