On 2-3 October, 2024, the beautiful Parc Animalier des Pyrénées in France became a hub of knowledge exchange and collaboration during the Workshop sur l’incubation artificielle et l’élevage de poussins de gypaète barbu (Workshop on Artificial Incubation and Rearing of Bearded Vulture Chicks).
This inspiring gathering was organized by VCF’s the Bearded Vulture captive breeding manager and EEP program coordinator Àlex Llopis Dell, and captive breeding assistant Carmen Calero with invaluable assistance from Serge and Roger Mounard from Parc Animalier des Pyrénées and Théo Mazet and the Asters team.
The workshop brought together representatives from several French-speaking EEP (European Endangered Species Programme) partners, including the Parc Animalier des Pyrénées, Asters, Puy du Fou, Parc des Oiseaux, Zoo Amnéville, Zoo Beauval, Le Pal, and Pairi Daiza from Belgium. Also representatives from the Richard Faust Zentrum in Austria and LPO in France joined.
The picturesque setting and well-equipped facilities created an ideal atmosphere for learning and collaboration, enhancing the overall success of the event.
A focused and engaging first day
The primary aim of the workshop was to gather the French-speaking partners from EEP together. Bearded Vulture EEP is a vital conservation initiative coordinated by the VCF that unites zoos, private collections, and specialized breeding centers across Europe to ensure the survival of the Bearded Vulture. With many EEP partners not fully fluent in English, the event was conducted entirely in French, ensuring that everyone could engage comfortably.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the host Serge Monard from the Parc Animalier des Pyrénées, followed by Àlex Llopis Dell, who shared the motivations behind this workshop. Each organization took turns presenting their breeding programs and facilities, providing valuable insights into their contributions to Bearded Vulture conservation.
Participants delved into the comprehensive protocol for artificial incubation and chick rearing, with engaging videos and practical examples. Àlex guided the discussions that encouraged questions and lively interactions. On the first day, participants enjoyed a delicious lunch and dinner, facilitated by the Parc Animalier des Pyrénées and Camping Les 3 Vallées,allowing for further networking and collaboration.
Diving deeper into conservation efforts
The second day featured a guest speaker from DREAL in France, who provided an insightful talk on CITES. This session sparked a lively exchange of views among participants and was very productive. Afterward, attendees had the opportunity to tour the Bearded Vulture breeding facilities of the Parc Animalier des Pyrénées zoo
The park recently built a dedicated breeding unit consisting of eight aviaries, an auxiliary aviary, and a nursery, establishing itself as the sixth specialized breeding center for Bearded Vultures. This development is crucial for the EEP, especially considering the facility’s strategic location in the Pyrenees, which offers a safe environment free from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. Serge and his team are following our guidelines diligently, and it is likely that this center will play an essential role in future conservation efforts.
Acknowledgments
We extend our deepest gratitude to Serge Monard, Roger Monard, their family, and the entire team at Parc Animalier des Pyrénées, and the staff at Camping Les 3 Vallées, for their generosity to provide accomodation for everyone and their outstanding efforts in making this workshop both enjoyable and productive. We are very happy to have such dedicated partners within the network.
As we reflect on the success of this workshop, we are confident that our collective efforts will continue to protect and conserve this magnificent species in the future.
Bearded Vulture EEP
The Bearded Vulture EEP (European Endangered Species Programme) is a crucial conservation initiative coordinated by the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) on behalf of EAZA. This network brings together zoos, private collections, and specialised breeding centres across Europe, all dedicated to the survival of the Bearded Vulture.
The Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) owns most of the Bearded Vultures in captivity in the world and collaborates with over 40 institutions to coordinate the captive breeding of Bearded Vultures in Europe. As coordinators of the Bearded Vulture Captive Breeding Network, we make sure that all partners accept, respect and follow the guidelines of the EEP and continually work with our colleagues across Europe to ensure the best breeding results from the birds within the network.
