A critically endangered African white-backed vulture chick has hatched at Longleat.
The chick is almost two months old and was incubated by its parents without keeper intervention, a first for the park in nearly 14 years.
Matt Hardy, lead keeper of Lakes and Birds, said, “Last year’s chick was a fantastic success, and to have another within 12 months is such a great achievement for the species.
“This is mum Kimberley’s first chick, so the fact she and dad have been able to incubate and rear the chick on their own is brilliant. Last year we helped with incubating the egg before returning it to the nest for the parents to rear once it hatched. The fact we haven’t had to step in at all this time is such a win for Longleat and the species.”
Vulture chicks remain in the nest under parental care for around four months before fledging.
It is estimated there are only around 270,000 African white-backed vultures left in the wild across west, east and southern Africa. The biggest threat to the species is poisoning.
“As a critically endangered species, every breeding success is a milestone,” said Matt. “To have successfully raised a chick to adulthood last year, and a chick being successfully reared by its parents this year, is fantastic for the breeding programme.
“Guests on the drive-through safari can already see the chick if they look closely. Both parents are taking turns on the nest and the chick’s head can often be seen poking out. As they continue to grow, they will become more visible.”
More information is available at longleat.co.uk.
