The birds spent the summer at the recovery centre on the island of Cres.
Seven griffon vultures, which have spent the summer at the Recovery Centre on the island of Cres, have taken to the skies. These are young birds who tried to fly on their own several months ago but were unsuccessful. They were saved thanks to the residents of Cres and the employees of the Recovery Centre located in Beli, reports Jutarnji List on September 18, 2018.
This was the second release of griffon vultures this year. In early May, six birds were released. “This is a confirmation that the Recovery Centre is doing an excellent job and that the local population is aware of the importance of these birds. Griffon vultures are one of the four types of vultures living in Europe, and the only one remaining in Croatia. They are the most vulnerable during the first year of their lives, when they become more self-sufficient, which includes the first flights from the nests. They often fall into the sea from nests which are located on cliffs high above. For them to survive, it is necessary to quickly get them out of the sea,” said Sonja Šišić, director of the Nature Public Institution, which manages the Recovery Centre.
Just like in the spring, before the birds were released, they were equipped with GPS transmitters. They will track their movements and scientists will be able to estimate how well they have adapted to the life in nature. The vultures are often seen flying high about the Kvarner Bay. They can cross hundreds of kilometres in one day while looking for food.
The movement of the birds can be monitored by everyone on the Centre’s website and Facebook profile.
In providing help to the birds, the Centre cooperates with the Zagreb Zoo and the BIOM Association.
The Recovery Centre now cares about six birds. They will be released into nature as soon as they are strong enough.
Translated from Jutarnji List.
