New vulture enclosure, built by modern standards appeared in Feldman Ecopark. Visitors to the Multi-Complex are able to see a vulture in its new spacious house (20 m x 25 m).
“Enclosure for black vulture is a test (indicative) enclosure from a series of 5-6 enclosures of the Raptor Path built with due regard for the experience of our colleagues from Netherlands and Kazakhstan. We hope to receive birds from them soon. We will send them a picture of this enclosure as the proof of seriousness of our intentions and demonstration of our opportunities” — the head of the science and monitoring department of Feldman Ecopark Andrii Hapchenko told.
The black vulture is one of the largest representatives of birds of prey of Eurasia; this species is listed in Ukrainian Red Book and VU species, IUCN. This is the largest representative of birds of prey in Feldman Ecopark. According to Andrii Hapchenko, in addition to black vulture, the Ecopark also comprises bald and white-tailed sea eagles, while rehabilitated birds, such as kestrel, buzzard and harrier, we usually return to the natural habitat.
The Raptor Path is one of two projects (the second is Hornbill Pavilion, currently under construction within cooperation with the Indonesia Zoo and Aquarium Association) planned within the Park of Birds programme of Feldman Ecopark. This programme is not limited to exposing of birds; one of its goals is participation in projects on bird reintroduction.
“We expect a visit of our colleagues from the Odessa zoo having more than 25 years’ experience of reintroduction of birds of prey and owls. It is planned that they will bring to us young eagle owls – local subspecies, also found in the Kharkiv oblast. Perhaps, eagle owls will become the first birds of this programme, which we are going to launch together with National Natural Parks of the Kharkiv oblast, – Andrii Hapchenko told. – Besides, saker falcon and imperial eagle will participate in the programme, and potentially a black kite and white-tailed sea eagle, as well.”
It should be reminded that The Park of Birds project was launched in Feldman Ecopark this year. Its main goal is to preserve rare species of birds and return them to their natural environment. Moreover, it is aimed at the popularization of this field of animal protection and eco-education of youth. It is planned to create Ukraine’s largest and one of the largest European complexes of ornithological enclosures representing local Red List and exotic birds.
