In a groundbreaking development for veterinary science and wildlife conservation, Bernard, a 28-year-old Eurasian black vulture (Aegypius monachus) who resides at the Horstmann Vulture Trust in South Wales, has become the first vulture to receive stem-cell treatment with the aim of alleviating the arthritis in his stifle joint. This pioneering procedure offers new hope for vultures and other species suffering from joint-related conditions.
The Horstmann Vulture Trust, the only dedicated vulture conservation charity in the UK and home to one of the largest captive collections of vultures in the world, is committed to conserving these critically important birds. Vultures are now the most endangered avian group in the world, and the Trust is at the forefront of efforts to protect and breed these species for release. Bernard’s home at the Trust, alongside his partner Twinkle, has provided a safe haven for many vultures, as they face threats from habitat loss, poisoning, and human interference. Bernard and Twinkle are also known for producing the first-ever Eurasian black vulture chick in the UK—a landmark achievement in vulture conservation breeding.
Bernard and his partner, Twinkle. Credit: Chris Eley
Under the expert supervision of Dr. Jo Miller of Cell Therapy Sciences, the team successfully culture expanded high-quality stem cells from Bernard’s own tissues. “We are extremely happy with both the quality and quantity of cells we were able to prepare for Bernard in this pioneering procedure,” Dr. Miller said. After four weeks of intensive work, Cell Therapy Sciences provided a dose of 7.2 million stem cells in a 1ml suspension, which was then cryopreserved, transported in dry ice and delivered to the Trust ready to be thawed and injected into Bernard’s painful stifle.
The extraction and implantation of Bernard’s stem cells were expertly performed by world-renowned avian specialist Dr. Neil Forbes, working with Dr. Tom Bailey and Dr. Lance Jepson of Origin Vets, who coordinated the team’s efforts. This groundbreaking procedure marks a significant milestone in veterinary science. The treatment took place at Seren Vets in Carmarthen, under the direction of Dr. Kevin Jones of Gibson & Jones Vets. Dr. Jones remarked, “Being involved in such an innovative procedure and supporting the conservation of such important species is wonderful. It’s exciting to think that this could represent the future of care for large birds.”
The stem cell injection procedure. Credit: Chris Eley
As vultures face some of the highest extinction risks of any bird group, the Horstmann Vulture Trust is at the forefront of efforts to conserve these critically important species. The Trust’s work not only involves breeding vultures for release, but also addressing the global vulture crisis that has seen populations decimated across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. In Asia alone, the collapse of vulture populations—largely due to toxic veterinary drugs like diclofenac—has resulted in a 99.9% reduction, triggering a public health crisis as carcasses once scavenged by vultures began to accumulate, with devastating consequences for human health.
Dr. Neil Forbes, an avian veterinary consultant to the Trust, noted, “The introduction of stem-cell therapy for Bernard marks a significant step forward in veterinary care for vultures. These birds play an irreplaceable role in ecosystems by removing carrion and pathogens, and any step we can take to improve their health and longevity is a victory for wildlife conservation.”
As vulture species worldwide face threats from poisoning, habitat loss, and human interference, this innovative treatment offers hope for both captive and wild vultures. Bernard’s progress will be monitored closely over the coming months, and the results of this treatment could pave the way for similar interventions across other species suffering from age-related conditions. This success could represent a turning point for wildlife medicine, potentially extending the lives and improving the health of other endangered species in captivity and in the wild.
With the help of Dr Neil Forbes, Dr Tom Bailey, Dr Lance Jepson and the dedicated teams at Seren Vets and Cell Therapy Sciences, this treatment exemplifies what’s possible when veterinary science and conservation come together in the service of saving species. Bernard’s journey could inspire further breakthroughs, helping to reverse the global decline of these magnificent birds.
Team Photo; from Left – Katie Hudson (Head Vet Nurse, Gibson & Jones Vets), Alex Georgiou (Cell Therapy Sciences), Dr Neil Forbes (Homer-Forbes International), Bernard the Eurasian Black vulture, Adam Bloch (Horstmann Trust CEO), Holly Cale (Horstmann Trust Curator), Alys Theophilus (Vet Nurse, Seren Vets), Dr Kevin Jones (Seren Vets/Gibson & Jones Vets), Dr Tom Bailey (Origin Vets) Credit: Chris Eley
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