Keepers at Longleat are preparing to mark a milestone as the estate’s first African white-backed vulture chick in 12 years is about to leave the nest.
The chick, which hatched 133 days ago, is expected to fledge any day now, bringing an end to a careful rearing process that combined expert care from keepers with the dedication of first-time parents.
The egg was initially incubated by the Wiltshire team before being returned to the nest four days after hatching. Since then, the parents have taken turns feeding and protecting their youngster, mirroring behaviour seen in the wild.
Matt Hardy, Lead Keeper for Lakes and Birds at Longleat, said:
“The parents have done fantastically well. We’ve seen them swapping roles just as they would in their natural habitat – one heading off to find food while the other stayed with the chick. It’s been wonderful to watch.”
From its first days weighing just 128g, the chick is now estimated to be around three kilograms, with a final adult weight expected to reach between four and six kilograms. The bird’s gender will be confirmed once it has fully fledged and its feathers can be tested.
The timing is fitting, as tomorrow (6 September) marks International Vulture Awareness Day, which highlights the ecological importance of the species and the grave threats it faces.
African white-backed vultures are listed as critically endangered, with wild populations estimated at just 270,000. Numbers have plummeted by more than 80% in recent decades due to poisoning and habitat loss.
This chick is one of 12 to have hatched across Europe this breeding season under the European breeding programme. In time, it is hoped it will move on and contribute to future generations.
Visitors to Longleat can view the vultures in the Safari Park’s drive-through section.
