Rescued endangered eagle returns to Serbian skies after captivity

Belgrade, Serbia — A rare eastern imperial eagle, named Feliks, has been successfully reintegrated into the wild in Serbia following months of captivity. The bird was recovered from animal traffickers and repatriated on a Serbian military plane, marking a significant triumph for conservationists.

Feliks, who fledged from his nest in July 2025, was originally fitted with a tracking device as part of a conservation programme. He flew towards the Middle East, a route that raised immediate concerns among experts. Uros Stojiljkovic of the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia (BPSSS) said, "At that point, we started to worry because we could see that he was heading towards an extremely unsafe region."

In October 2025, the tracking signal was lost. Initially, conservationists suspected a transmitter malfunction. However, it soon emerged that Feliks had been captured by poachers, who subsequently demanded a ransom. The ransom was refused, and after protracted negotiations, the bird was transferred to a wildlife centre in Beirut, Lebanon. There, Feliks recuperated for more than six months before his return to Serbia.

The eastern imperial eagle is a critically endangered species. Conservation efforts since 2017 have yielded remarkable results, with the breeding population in Serbia increasing from just one pair to 29 pairs this year, according to the BPSSS. The successful rescue and release of Feliks underscores the value of long-term conservation and international cooperation.

Experts note that the illegal wildlife trade remains a severe threat to raptors and other endangered species. The case of Feliks highlights the need for continued vigilance and cross-border collaboration to protect vulnerable wildlife.

Following his release, Feliks has been observed in a protected area in Serbia. Conservationists are monitoring him closely, hopeful that he will eventually contribute to the growing population of eastern imperial eagles in the region.