It was a cold day, in particular the venue chosen, between Madrid and Avila, close to the Sierra de San Lorenzo de El Escorial. However, we knew how unafraid these scavengers are of the cold. We proceeded with the release at a place slightly lower than usual as the highlands were covered with snow and had low visibility, which could have hampered the first flight. Once liberated, we were able to note how drafts favoured the first freedom flight of the vulture.

The release took place without any problems by Diana, who had previously sponsored a booted eagle rehabilitated at GREFA, and performed this release on behalf of the team SG E3 at the European Commission in Brussels, in acknowledgment of their boss’ work. As soon as the bird was free, it took off like a rocket into the cloudy sky, disappearing from our view in just over a minute.

This is the first release of an animal from GREFA’s Wildlife Hospital in the year 2016. We hope to release many more in the months to come.

A griffon vulture called Per, the first release of 2016 A griffon vulture called Per, the first release of 2016