Bearded vulture from Ostrava Zoo dies in suspected poisoning in Bulgaria

A young bearded vulture named Boev, hatched at the Ostrava Zoo and released into the Bulgarian mountains, has died following what appears to be a targeted illegal poisoning. The bird was a key part of the international Bearded Vulture LIFE repatriation project, marking the first time the species has been seen in the wild in Bulgaria in over 50 years.

Boev had recently completed a massive 14,100-kilometer journey across eight European countries, tracked via GPS. After returning to Bulgaria in August, his satellite signal indicated he had stopped in the Central Balkan National Park. Conservationists discovered the bird dead near a cow carcass that was likely contaminated with poison.

In addition to the bearded vulture, the poisoning event claimed the lives of five griffon vultures, two white-headed vultures, and one raven. Authorities believe this was a deliberate mass poisoning. Bulgarian police are currently investigating the incident.