Eastern imperial eagle Feliks released into the wild after rescue

Feliks, a rare eastern imperial eagle, has been released back into the wild near Subotica, Serbia, following a months-long international rescue and rehabilitation process.

The eagle first gained global attention when it was kidnapped by poachers in Syria during its inaugural migration. After conservationists refused to pay a ransom demanded by the kidnappers, the bird was eventually handed over to a wildlife center in Beirut, Lebanon. In June, Feliks was transported back to Serbia via a Serbian military aircraft returning from a peacekeeping mission.

Upon arrival, the eagle was housed at the Palić Zoo, where veterinarians and biologists monitored its health and strength. After more than nine months in captivity and a period of rehabilitation, including flight exercises in a large aviary, Feliks was deemed fit for release. Before his return to nature, he was fitted with new identification rings and a telemetry device to allow ornithologists to track his movements.