SmartBirds
Photo: © Volen Arkumarev/BSPB
A year ago, the story of the Egyptian Vulture Chance touched hundreds of people. The bird miraculously survived a severe poisoning incident near Momchilgrad. It was yet another case demonstrating how serious the threat of poisoned baits remains for wildlife in Bulgaria. Thanks to the rapid response of the BSPB anti-poison team and its specially trained detection dog, as well as the veterinary care provided at the Green Balkans Wildlife Rescue Centre, Chance was saved. He underwent intensive treatment followed by a period of re-adaptation before the BSPB team successfully released him back into the wild.
Today, exactly one year later, his story brings hope.
In autumn, Chance began his long journey to Africa and spent the winter months in Chad. This spring, he travelled more than 5,000 kilometres once again to return to the Momchilgrad area — the place he calls home. But this time, he is not alone. Chance has found a new mate, and the pair is currently incubating eggs. Their chick is expected to hatch in the first days of June.
Over the past few weeks, Chance has even been observed landing in the yard of a farm near the nest. It is yet another reminder of how closely connected human lives are with the fate of the rare species with which we share the same land.
The use of poisoned baits in nature poses a serious risk not only to wildlife and endangered species, but also to hunting dogs, livestock, and even human health. A single poisoned bait can kill dozens of animals and leave long-lasting impacts on entire ecosystems.
Chance’s story shows that there is hope for saving this globally endangered species in Bulgaria. But the real victory will come when stories like this no longer begin with poisoning.
The project “Egyptian Vulture New LIFE”, through which the species reinforcement programme, bird adaptation and release methods, and the necessary infrastructure were developed, has been nominated for the European Union LIFE Awards. It was within this project that the foundations were laid for the activities that today give birds like Chance the opportunity to successfully return to the wild and raise a new generation.
Support the project by voting in the LIFE Awards competition and help Chance’s story inspire even more people here:
Egyptian Vulture New LIFE – LIFE Awards
