Farewell to LifeBG – Setback in Bulgaria’s Bearded Vulture reintroduction 

The journey to restore Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) to the skies of Bulgaria has always been one marked by ambition, dedication, and a clear understanding of the risks involved. Now, just weeks after the historic release of the country’s first three Bearded Vulture chicks into the wild, we are faced with the sobering reality that not every bird will make it through this critical adaptation phase. 

On May 17, 2025, three young Bearded Vultures were released into the wild mountains above Sliven as part of the Bearded Vulture LIFE project. This was a landmark moment — the return of a species that had been extinct in the region for decades. But only a few weeks later, tragedy struck: one of the three chicks, named LifeBG, died. 

The team had been monitoring the birds around the clock. They noticed that LifeBG appeared weak and was not feeding properly, prompting immediate intervention. The chick was transported to the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Stara Zagora, where it was found to be underweight. A therapy program was initiated in the hope of restoring its strength and returning it to the hack site. Unfortunately, despite all the care it received, the bird passed away. 

Autopsy and histological results have since confirmed that LifeBG died from a bacterial infection, showing severe cerebral pneumonia and necrotic hepatitis. It’s possible that the infection overwhelmed the bird’s immune system, likely weakened by the harsh storms and unseasonable weather that battered the mountains just days before its symptoms emerged. 

Another of the released birds, Balkan, who hatched in Bulgaria and had been doing well in the wild, is now also under close care at the Rescue Centre. The team noticed sudden and severe feather loss, prompting urgent retrieval and examination. Vets discovered that the feathers were rotting at the base and falling out.  

Balkan’s condition is being closely monitored as blood samples are analyzed. There is growing concern that the same pathogen or environmental trigger could affect more than one bird. Efforts are underway to stabilize Balkan and determine whether the weight loss observed in both him and LifeBG is linked to the same underlying cause. 

Amid the difficulties, there is also a spark of hope. The third chick, Boev, is showing encouraging signs. She recently made her first successful flight attempts, briefly leaving the hack before returning. The team continues to monitor her closely. 

See the video by Green Balkans team of her first flight out of the hacking site! 

We are fully aware that reintroducing a species into the wild is not just a technical process — it is a test of resilience, science, and unwavering commitment. The loss of LifeBG is heartbreaking, and the uncertainty surrounding Balkan is deeply concerning. Yet, these setbacks are part of a longer journey that has already proven successful in other parts of Europe, thanks to the persistence of experts and the support of the wider conservation community. 

We remain committed to this mission and continue to do everything we can to protect each bird. The team continues to follow rigorous protocols while adjusting to lessons learned in real time — because with every challenge, we understand the species better and increase the chances of success for future releases. 

This historic release is part of The “Bearded Vulture LIFE” project – 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.