Bearded vultures in breeding centers and zoos in Europe have started their 2024-2025 breeding season. This is especially important for Bulgaria, as it will provide the three chicks for the first release of the species in the country in 2025, in an effort to restore the species after a 50–60 year absence.

Two breeding centers — Richard Faust Zentrum (RFZ) in Austria and Guadalentín in Spain — reported eggs laid on the same day, December 4, 2024. The eggs will be carefully monitored and cared for by staff at both centers, with the chicks expected to hatch at the end of January 2025.

Learn more about the two pairs of vultures, as well as see an exciting video from the Spanish pair’s nest, on the website of our partners at the Vulture Conservation Foundation.