A team of experts from the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre of Green Balkans, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, the Nature Madzharovo Association, and the Rewilding Rhodopes Foundation conducted a specialised theoretical and practical training for future veterinarians from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Trakia University – Stara Zagora, who are members of the Student Ecological Club "BARBATUS".
The event was hosted by the "Eastern Rhodopes" Nature Conservation Centre in the picturesque region of the town of Madzharovo and the village of Potochnitsa. Here, the four organisations joined forces to support the population of the rare and endangered Egyptian vulture through the delayed release method, whilst the specialised Egyptian Vulture School operates in the field.
During the training, the young participants learned more about the biology and ecology of the species, as well as the main threats to the birds in the wild, including illegal poisoning, electrocution, and loss of natural habitats. The experts shared valuable practical experience with their future colleagues regarding the specifics of treatment, rehabilitation, and first aid for wild birds.
In the region of Potochnitsa village, the students had the opportunity to observe the vultures in their natural habitat and get acquainted up close with the supplementary feeding activities for the three species found in the area – the Griffon, the Cinereous, and the Egyptian vulture.
The organisers shared that the Egyptian vulture is not merely a symbol of wild nature in the Eastern Rhodopes, but vital for ecosystem balance as a natural scavenger. Training young and motivated veterinary medicine students instils faith that the future of nature conservation in our country is in safe hands.
Special thanks to Student Ecological Club "BARBATUS" for their passion, energy, and eagerness to learn and protect nature and its wild inhabitants. Together, we continue working towards a better future for rare species in Bulgaria.
Project activities are implemented with the financial support of the City of Prague and Prague Zoo within the framework of project "Protection of the Egyptian Vulture in the Balkans".
For more information: Dr Rusko Petrov - Manager "Research, Educational and Conservation Activities"
Phone: +359884 877 544
Email: rpetrov@greenbalkans.org
