The Horstmann Trust is delighted to announce a repeat of last year’s success in the hatching and rearing of a critically endangered Rüppell’s griffon vulture at London Zoo. This year, a chick named Rupert has been successfully hand-reared and returned to its parents, marking another significant achievement in vulture conservation.
Using the “dummy egg” technique, which involves substituting a real egg with a wooden replica to allow for careful incubation and monitoring, our team has effectively supported the zookeepers at London Zoo in nurturing the chick. The real egg was kept under optimal conditions at 36.6°C, with daily weighing and adjustments to temperature and humidity. This meticulous process involved the expert guidance of Holly Cale, Curator of the Horstmann Trust, through video calls, providing essential advice for the crucial stages of the hatch.
The Horstmann Trust has played a pivotal role for the second year in aiding London Zoo to replicate the natural incubation conditions. This method not only ensures the survival of newborn chicks but also enables the continuation of parental care after the initial critical phase. Rupert, initially weighing just 123 grams, was cared for by zookeepers for five days before being reintroduced to his nest, to be reared further by his parents, Phil and Cuthbert.
Our collaboration with London Zoo, part of the European Breeding Programme, underscores our commitment to enhancing the global vulture population. This partnership, enriched by the expertise shared with conservation zoos worldwide, aims to fortify the population of these critically endangered birds through conservation breeding programmes.
This year’s success builds on last year’s achievement of the first vulture chick hatched at the zoo in four decades, emphasising the effectiveness of our conservation strategies.
The Horstmann Trust remains dedicated to the protection of Rüppell’s griffon vultures, addressing threats such as habitat loss, poisoning, and collisions with power lines. Our ongoing efforts contribute significantly to the global conservation community, supporting the survival and thriving of these majestic birds.
For more information on our conservation efforts and to learn how you can support our mission click here
