A rare eastern imperial eagle, known as Feliks, has been successfully rescued from animal traffickers and released back into the wild in Serbia after several months in captivity. The bird, a protected and critically endangered species, had been tracked by conservationists after leaving its nest last year, but its signal was lost when it headed towards the Middle East. Initially, experts feared the tracking device might be faulty, but it later became clear that Feliks had been abducted by poachers.
Poachers eventually demanded a ransom for Feliks, a demand that was refused. Following prolonged negotiations, the eagle was transported to a wildlife center in Beirut, Lebanon. There, Feliks underwent a recovery period lasting over six months before being repatriated to Serbia on a military aircraft.
Conservation efforts for the eastern imperial eagle in Serbia have shown significant progress. According to the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia (BPSSS), the population has increased from a single pair in 2017 to 29 pairs this year. Despite this success, the abduction of Feliks highlights the ongoing threats faced by these protected birds. Uros Stojiljkovic of the BPSSS expressed concern when the bird's flight path indicated it was heading towards a region known for being unsafe for wildlife.
After its recovery and rehabilitation, Feliks was released into the Serbian wilderness. Images captured the moment of his release, showing the eagle taking flight across grasslands, symbolizing its return to freedom and the success of the rescue operation.