Fremuth, a Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) hatched in Spain in May 2020, has lived an extraordinary life for a 4-year-old vulture. Named in honour of Wolfgang Fremuth, a champion of vulture conservation in Bulgaria, this young vulture’s journey embodies the fragile yet determined efforts to restore his species across Europe.
From soaring triumphs across vast landscapes to a heart-wrenching battle for survival after a brutal shooting, Fremuth’s story is a testament to both the resilience of nature and the unyielding commitment of conservationists.
The early journey: from Spain to Bulgaria
Fremuth’s journey began in Spain, where she was one of several Cinereous Vultures donated to Bulgaria by the Regional Government of Extremadura This donation was part of a larger initiative aimed at reintroducing the species to the Balkans, a region where the Cinereous Vulture had once thrived but had since disappeared due to habitat loss and human persecution.
In May 2022, Fremuth was brought to the Wildlife Rescue Center of Green Balkans, a key player in the conservation of endangered species in Bulgaria. After a period of care and acclimatization in an aviary in Dolno Ozirovo, she was released into the wild, joining a reintroduction programme that has seen several birds reintroduced to their natural habitats.
The great wanderer: Fremuth’s European odyssey
After her release, Fremuth became a true explorer, traveling across Europe and covering over 18,747 kilometers by July 2022. Her journey took her to Croatia, Poland, Austria, and beyond, demonstrating the inherent wanderlust of young vultures. Each step of her journey was closely monitored by conservationists, all thanks to the satellite transmitter attached to her.
Her travels also underscored the broader significance of the reintroduction programme. The Cinereous Vultures released in Bulgaria are not just local birds, as evidenced by their wide-ranging travels and the international interest they have garnered. Fremuth’s journey has not only connected her with diverse landscapes but also with people across the continent, all of whom share a passion for preserving this majestic species.
Austria: a spontaneous mobilization
One of the most remarkable episodes in Fremuth’s journey occurred in Austria, where she was spotted 50 kilometres from Vienna, in an area atypical for her species. The coordinates of her location were shared in the Balkan Vultures Facebook group, sparking a spontaneous and widespread mobilization. Local ornithologists, conservationists, a biology teacher, and even a photographer gathered to observe Fremuth, ensuring she was safe in a potentially hazardous environment filled with wind turbines and other threats.
This spontaneous response highlighted the power of community-driven conservation efforts. The sight of a rare bird like Fremuth can inspire action and foster a deeper connection to wildlife among people, even in urbanized or non-traditional areas for such species.
A sudden crisis: Fremuth was shot in Romania
In April 2024, Fremuth’s journey took a tragic turn when she was found in Romania, near the village of Dragova, in a helpless state and vomiting blood. Her plight quickly mobilized another wave of international cooperation. A biologist from Timișoara University, along with students and volunteers, rushed to her aid, transporting her to a clinic in Arad. There, she received immediate care, including hydration and feeding, and showed initial signs of recovery.
The cause of her condition first remained unclear, necessitating further treatment and rehabilitation. Soon, however, it was certain that she was shot. She was subsequently transferred by Milvus Group to the Vets4Wild clinic in Târgu Mureș, where she continued to receive care and was later transferred back to Bulgaria.
After weeks of healing, Fremuth was moved to an adaptation aviary where she joined other vultures. However, it became clear that she would never return to the wild. The gunshot wound had caused significant damage: one collarbone was missing, and her wing hung limp, retracting only occasionally. Her condition worsened when he began falling on her back, unable to stand, and re-injured her wing. Recognizing her limitations, the team decided to return Fremuth to the Green Balkans’ Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Center for ongoing care.
The legacy of Fremuth
Fremuth’s story is far from over. The shooting will be further investigated, and the case already serves as a testament to the power of international cooperation in wildlife conservation. Her journey has connected people across borders, uniting them in a shared mission to protect and restore the Cinereous Vulture population. From Spain to Bulgaria, Austria to Romania, Fremuth has inspired countless individuals and organizations to act on behalf of a species that is still recovering from extinction.
The continuous monitoring of Fremuth and her fellow vultures is crucial to the success of the reintroduction programme. Their travels, challenges, and triumphs provide invaluable insights into the species’ behaviour and the effectiveness of conservation strategies. As we await further updates on Fremuth’s condition and court case, her story reminds us of the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and the shared responsibility we all have in preserving the natural world.
The “Bearded Vulture LIFE” project is a comprehensive initiative, aiming to restore the Bearded Vulture and Cinereous Vulture across Bulgaria and the Balkans. With a budget of €5.17 million, co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, the project commenced in August 2023 and is expected to continue until 2030. Building upon the achievements of its predecessor, “Vultures Back to Life,” it is coordinated by Green Balkans, with five more partner organizations within Bulgaria, including the Fund for Wild Flora and Fauna, Foundation EkoObshtnost, EVN – Elektropradelenie Yug EAD, Severozapadno Darzhavno Predpriyatie – Vratsa, and “Sinite kamani” Nature Park Directorate. Furthermore, the project benefits from international collaboration, including the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF), responsible for the translocation and safeguarding of captive-bred birds secured for release. Additionally, the partner Milvus group is responsible for executing conservation efforts in Romania.
