The decades of hard work has finally paid off! On 14 March 2025, a historic event took place at the Centro de Conservación de la Biodiversidad – Zoobotánico Jerez in Spain : the birth of the first-ever Bearded Vulture (Gypeatus Barbatus) chick in the zoo’s history.
The team at Zoobotánico Jerez began their involvement with Bearded Vulture conservation back in 1998, when the centre joined the Bearded Vulture EEP programme.
Since then, although various pairs have been housed at the zoo, no successful reproduction has occurred — until now.
A carefully selected breeding pair
The parents of this chick are a pair of Bearded Vultures originating from Bearded Vulture Captive Breeding Centre Guadalentín. The male hatched in 2015 and the female in 2011. The pair was selected by Bearded Vulture EEP Coordinator Alex Llopis Dell and arrived at Zoobotánico de Jerez in April 2021.
Last year, the pair showed promising behaviour and laid their first egg on 19 February 2024. However, the egg was unfortunately infertile. This season, after observing multiple successful copulations in December, another egg was laid on 20 January 2025 — and has now resulted in a healthy chick.
Close monitoring and early development
Since hatching the chick has been monitored by the zoo’s technical staff, with regular weighing and health checks to ensure proper development. A camera has also been installed near the nest to allow for detailed observation without disturbing the parents. Encouragingly, both parents are caring for and feeding the chick normally. Just five days after hatching, the chick had already reached a weight of 200 grams — a strong and hopeful sign for its continued growth.
Progress after an initial attempt
This success is a proud moment not only for Zoobotánico Jerez, but for the entire Bearded Vulture conservation community. The Vulture Conservation Foundation warmly congratulates the team for this achievement, thanking their perseverance and commitment in the field of Bearded Vulture conservation.
Bearded Vulture EEP
The Bearded Vulture EEP, coordinated by the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) on behalf of EAZA, continues to focus on enhancing the genetic diversity and stability of the European population. With a network comprising over 40 institutions, the EEP supports captive breeding that underpins reintroduction projects across Europe.
