{"id":40319,"date":"2025-06-20T11:46:10","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T08:46:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/?p=40319"},"modified":"2025-06-20T11:46:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T08:46:11","slug":"farewell-to-lifebg-setback-in-bulgarias-bearded-vulture-reintroduction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/es\/blog\/farewell-to-lifebg-setback-in-bulgarias-bearded-vulture-reintroduction\/","title":{"rendered":"Farewell to LifeBG – Setback in Bulgaria\u2019s Bearded Vulture reintroduction\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

The journey to restore Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus<\/em>)<\/a> 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\u2019s first three Bearded Vulture chicks into the wild<\/a>, we are faced with the sobering reality that not every bird will make it through this critical adaptation phase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LifeBG \u00a9 Green Balkans\u00a0\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A promising beginning met with harsh challenges <\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

On May 17, 2025, three young Bearded Vultures were released into the wild mountains above Sliven as part of the Bearded Vulture LIFE project<\/a>. This was a landmark moment \u2014 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<\/strong>, died. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autopsy and histological results have since confirmed that LifeBG died from a bacterial infection, showing severe cerebral pneumonia and necrotic hepatitis. It\u2019s possible that the infection overwhelmed the bird\u2019s immune system, likely weakened by the harsh storms and unseasonable weather that battered the mountains just days before its symptoms emerged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LifeBG \u00a9 Green Balkans\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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New concerns emerge: The case of Balkan <\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Another of the released birds, Balkan<\/strong>, 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Balkan at the rescue centre \u00a9 Green Balkans\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Balkan\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hope on horizon: Boev takes flight <\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Amid the difficulties, there is also a spark of hope. The third chick, Boev<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See the video by Green Balkans team of her first flight out of the hacking site! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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