The Bearded Vulture captive breeding season has begun with the first clutches – spreading hope and excitement across the whole Bearded Vulture (Gypeatus Barbatus) community.
The first clutch of the season was laid at Parc Animalier des Pyrénées by the pair BG850 × BG469, followed afterwards by the second egg of the season at Richard Faust Zentrum in Austria by BG201 “Aararat” and BG576 “Ricarda”.
First clutch of the season at Parc Animalier des Pyrénées
The first laying occurred on November 30 at 13:00, almost two months earlier than the same pair’s laying last year. This early breeding strongly suggests that the pair has adapted very well to their new environment in the Pyrenees. A second egg was laid on December 9 at 23:00, further confirming the stability of the pair.
The male, BG850, hatched in 2015 and is a descendant of the founder female BG725 “Kirma”, rescued in the Pyrenees in 2011 and transferred to Specialised Breeding Centre in Vallcalent. Kirma was easily recognisable due to the complete absence of her left jaw. While this injury could not be treated, she was an exceptional mother and raised several healthy chicks such as BG850.
The female, BG469, hatched in 2005 at Nürnberg Zoo and lived for 18 years at Parco Natura Viva in Italy. With her former partner BG451, she raised one chick. Following his death in 2024, she was transferred to Parc Animalier des Pyrénées and paired with BG850.
The pair produced their first chick shortly after being brought together. This new clutch further confirms the success of the pairing and represents an important genetic contribution to the programme.
Second clutch of the season at Richard Faust Zentrum
The second clutch of the season was laid at Richard Faust Zentrum (RFZ) in Austria by the pair BG201 × BG576 – Aararat an Ricarda- The same pair that also laid the first clutch of the season last year! Their egg was laid at 06:15 on December 10.
The male, BG201 “Aararat”, hatched in Tajikistan and arrived at Dushanbe Zoo in 1988 with a damaged wing. He was transferred to Vienna in 1993 to join the Bearded Vulture breeding programme and is now at least 38 years old.
After several unsuccessful early pairings, Aararat formed a long-term pair with BG044 in 1995. Together they produced eight biological chicks and fostered twelve others from within the Bearded Vulture EEP. Following the death of BG044 in 2023, Aararat returned to RFZ and was later paired with a new female.
The female, BG576 “Ricarda”, hatched at RFZ in 2009. After several years at Frankfurt Zoo and the loss of her previous partner, she returned to Vienna in 2023 and was paired with Aararat.
Ricarda is known for her strong and dominant character, while Aararat brings experience and stability. This combination has resulted in early breeding success in both 2024 and again this season.
What comes next
These early clutches represent an important step for the Bearded Vulture captive-breeding programme, contributing valuable genetics and building momentum for the months ahead. As the season continues, further clutches are happening across the EEP network, with close monitoring now focused on incubation, hatching success, and the potential future release of chicks into the wild.
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.
With the 2025–2026 season, we take another meaningful step toward securing a thriving future for Europe’s Bearded Vultures. We look forward to sharing the inspiring story of these hatchlings as they grow, take flight, and help restore the species to the wild.
