Thailand breeds first Red-headed vulture in 30 years

Since 2005, the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand has been trying to breed the endangered species, commonly known as the Asian king vulture.

Attapon Srihayrun, Director General, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, said:“After years of attempts, the emergence of this Red-headed vulture has allowed the scientists to discover how to breed them in the future. They will know how they should set up the environment and the atmosphere for the vulture. Once we have the first newborn Red-headed vulture, we will have the second, third, fourth and so on. Then, when we have an ample population, we will release them back to nature.”

It is only the second instance of successful breeding of this species worldwide.

The Red-headed vulture has been extinct in the wild since 1992. It's listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.