Evolving in large colonies in the western Pyrenees, this vulture almost disappeared between 1920 and 1950 when only a small colony remained in the Ossau valley. Gregarious, the partners are often united for life and build their nest with a few branches in the cavities of the rock walls, especially in the regional nature reserve of Pibeste-Aoulhet, a stone’s throw from the animal park.
Although its range is very large (extended to Eurasia and Africa), the griffon vulture depends on a traditional pastoral economy. The depletion of their food resources, the poisonings and the destruction of their preferred habitats must put us on the alert. Today there are nearly 850 pairs in the Pyrenees, the majority being distributed in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Hegalaldia and Vulture Conservation Foundation are working together with the animal park by transferring some injured vultures to the site. Since the creation of Hegalaldia, 9 bearded vultures have been released after a visit to their care centre.