Zookeepers Step In to Aid Rejected Vulture Chicks in Prague
In Prague, zookeepers are playing a vital role in the survival of a lesser yellow-headed vulture chick that was abandoned by its parents. The bird hatched just three weeks ago, but early indications showed that its parents were not prepared to nurture it.
Zookeeper Antonín Vaidl shared that the absence of a dummy egg in the nest was a clear signal that the parents were not ready to take care of the two chicks. In prior years, these same parents successfully raised young ones, making this situation all the more unexpected.
To ensure the lone chick receives adequate care, it is being kept in a nurturing box and is fed with the assistance of a special puppet designed to imitate a parent bird. Another chick is scheduled to hatch soon, and Vaidl emphasized the importance of using the puppet. This approach ensures that the young vulture can still breed in the future, as it must not become accustomed to human interaction.
Interestingly, the puppet does not need to perfectly resemble an adult bird. The chick responds well to specific physical characteristics, like the light orange color on its featherless head and neck.
Native to regions in Latin America and Mexico, lesser yellow-headed vultures are rare, and Prague Zoo is one of just three zoos in Europe where these birds are bred. The zoo has successfully used similar techniques in the past to help save critically endangered species, including the Javan green magpie and rhinoceros hornbill chicks.
Vaidl noted, “The method has been working well. We’ll see what happens with the vultures.” This innovative approach highlights the dedication of zookeepers in ensuring the survival of these remarkable birds.
