From March 5 to 11 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting Biologist Julia Lynne Allong and Biologist Animal Keeper Dave Balingit Balatero from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) at the Guadalentín Breeding Center in Spain. Their visit coincided with the peak breeding season of the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), allowing them to gain hands-on experience with breeding protocols and conservation techniques.
Julia from PEF feeding the Bearded Vulture chick at Guadalentín
Sharing expertise
At Guadalentín, the PEF team was provided with direct exposure to key breeding practices, including natural and assisted hatching, as well as foster parenting methods—essential strategies for the successful conservation breeding of endangered raptors. By engaging with these processes firsthand, they gained insights to support PEF’s conservation initiatives in the Philippines.
Exploring raptor ecology in Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park
The team was also visiting the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, where they observed the feeding ecology of Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) at a dedicated feeding platform. They also documented other raptor species, including the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). This field experience deepened their understanding of raptor behavior, habitat management, and the significance of integrated conservation strategies.
Strengthening global conservation partnerships
This collaboration highlights the power of global partnerships in conservation. By sharing expertise and working together across borders, we can strengthen efforts to protect and restore populations of endangered raptors worldwide.
Guadalentín is one of the most significant centres within the Bearded Vulture Captive Breeding Network, coordinated by Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) on behalf of EAZA‘s EEP (Bearded Vulture EEP).
Within the the Bearded Vulture captive breeding network, we collaborate with 40+ European institutions such as zoos, private collections and specialised breeding centres to optimize breeding outcomes and maintain conservation efforts across Europe. For decades, we have been releasing captive-bred Bearded Vultures across Europe to restore local populations in areas where the species became extinct or are under threat. VCF oversees global captive Bearded Vulture efforts, ensuring coordination and adherence to EEP guidelines.
