A fascinating love story of storks Klepetan and Malena continues to melt people’s hearts all around the world. For the 16th time, a devoted male stork Klepetan flew thousands of kilometers back home to his handicapped mate who can’t fly.

It all began more than 20 years ago when a kind-hearted widower Stjepan Vokic found the female stork badly injured by hunters. Vokic decided to give her a second chance at life by adopting and taking care of her. On the rooftop of the man’s house, Malena and Klepetan’s love blossomed. At first, it seemed that their relationship was doomed because Malena was unable to migrate with her mate at the end of summer. Nevertheless, their love persisted. Each year Klepeton leaves Malena to the Vokic’s care and migrates to South Africa, flying back home to his love every March.

Scroll down to see this peculiar relationship for yourself and check out the story we wrote about them a few years ago.

More info: total-croatia-news.com

For the 16th time, a devoted male stork Klepetan flew thousands of kilometers back home to his handicapped mate Malena

Image credits: Domagoj Sever

More than 20 years ago Malena was adopted by Stjepan Vokic after her wing was injured by hunters

Image credits: Jana Water

Stjepan gave Malena a second chance at life by taking care of her

Image credits: AFP

On the rooftop of the man’s house, Malena and Klepetan’s love blossomed

Image credits: Ivo Biocina

Since Malena was unable to fly, the chances of her new relationship to last were slim

Image credits: Katerina Zvonic

Nevertheless, the love of this amazing stork couple persisted

Image credits: Alan Stankovic

After leaving Malena at Stjepan’s care Klepetan migrates to South Africa at the end of every summer

Image credits: Alan Stankovic

But he never fails to come back home to her at the beginning of spring

Image credits: Total Croatia News

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