The Horstmann Vulture Conservation Trust is proud to announce the successful release of the first two Egyptian Vultures bred in the United Kingdom into the wild in Bulgaria, marking a significant milestone in international conservation efforts to restore the endangered species across southeastern Europe.
The two young vultures were hatched and reared at the Horstmann Trust’s conservation breeding facilities in South Wales before travelling to Bulgaria as part of the EU LIFE project dedicated to the recovery of the wild Egyptian Vulture population in the Balkans.
The two young vultures were hatched and reared at the Horstmann Trust’s conservation breeding facilities in South Wales before travelling to Bulgaria as part of the EU LIFE project dedicated to the recovery of the wild Egyptian Vulture population in the Balkans.
Before their release, the birds spent time at a specialised pre-release facility known as “Vulture School”, where they joined other young vultures from across Europe. This important stage allows the birds to develop natural behaviours, socialise with other vultures, and prepare for life in the wild.
Following this preparation, the two Welsh-bred birds were released into the mountains of Bulgaria, where they will now begin their journey as free-flying wild vultures. Both birds are equipped with tracking devices that enable conservation teams to monitor their movements, behaviour, and survival as they adapt to their natural environment.
The release represents years of collaboration between conservation organisations across Europe and highlights the important role that carefully managed conservation breeding programmes can play in helping threatened species recover.
The Egyptian Vulture is Europe’s smallest vulture species and has suffered dramatic population declines across much of its range due to poisoning, habitat loss, electrocution on power infrastructure, and other human-related threats. The Balkan population is among the most vulnerable, making international conservation efforts essential for the species’ future.
For the Horstmann Trust, the release is the culmination of an extraordinary journey that began with two eggs in South Wales and ended high in the Bulgarian mountains.
“We are immensely proud to see the first Egyptian Vultures bred at our facilities take flight into the wild,” said Holly Cale. “This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when dedicated conservation organisations work together across borders. From the moment these birds hatched, every stage of their development has been focused on preparing them for this moment.”
The release forms part of the wider EU LIFE conservation programme, which brings together partners from multiple countries to safeguard and strengthen the remaining wild Egyptian Vulture populations in southeastern Europe.
Images documenting the birds’ journey, from egg and chick through rearing, transport, Vulture School, and eventual release and are available for media use.
The Horstmann Trust is dedicated to the conservation of threatened bird species in particular vultures through breeding, research, education, and international conservation partnerships. Working with organisations across Europe and beyond, the Trust contributes to projects that support the recovery of endangered wildlife populations in their natural habitats. The Hosrtmann Trust houses one of the largest collections of vultures in Europe at it’s facility in South Wales.
