Herculis hatched on March 9, 2015 and grew up under the watchful eyes of his parents Elsa and Karl. As part of the reintroduction of the bearded vulture into the wild project, the bird of prey was resettled in Argentera, where he continues to do his rounds over the Italian Alps.
The bearded vulture was joined on his travels to Austria by his partner in crime Roman from the Czech Republic and were both received by colleagues from the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) on arrival. Both bearded vultures will live together on a rocky ledge in order to keep loneliness at bay and to encourage social contact.
Amid great interest from the regional press, enthusiastic residents and inquisitive students, Herculis and his new friend made the final ascent on the backs of two VCF employees – very cautiously in the transport boxes, something all too familiar to the bearded vultures from their long journeys.
Over rough and smooth, yet always steeply uphill, the two bearded vultures scaled their way up to their new home with around 250 of their adoring bird enthusiast fans. Dr. José Tavares, director of the Vulture Conservation Foundation, and his colleagues had chosen a suitable place in the mountains for them in advance. Since both the young birds are still learning to fly, they must of course be well protected against predators and other dangers. Over the coming weeks, students can also observe the bearded vultures from a distance, feed the duo and help in their conservation measures.
The young bird of prey Herculis is the 19th bearded vulture from Tierpark Berlin, which has been introduced into the wild after being reared by his parents.
Tierpark Berlin has been participating in the very successful reintroduction project for the bearded vulture since 1987: 16 birds that have hatched in the Tierpark have since moved to the Alps, two to Andalusia and one that circles around in the South of France. The impressive birds had long since disappeared from the Alpine region – they have been totally eradicated since the end of the 19th century due to human persecution. Currently several pairs of bearded vultures have been breeding successfully in the alps, including birds that have been reared in the Tierpark.
The bearded vulture is the largest bird of prey in Europe. With an impressive wingspan of up to three meters, they can grow to reach a proud 1.10m in height and a trim seven kilos in weight – both males and females. And the beard? This doesn't only apply to the males. The bristle-like feathers on the underside of the beak are a feature found in all bearded vultures.
"These exact reintroduction projects demonstrate how important zoos are today. They ensure the conservation of endangered species through complex and scientifically supported reintroduction programmes. We really do take such an issue to heart. The Zoo and Tierpark Berlin alone participates in most of the breeding programmes across Europe. Our aim is to once again to see the bearded vulture regain its natural habitat in the Alps without our help" said Tierpark director Dr. Andreas Knieriem.
