Eaglet 'Princeling' Hatches, Signaling Restoration of Golden Eagles in UK

In a significant conservation milestone, Sir David Attenborough has named the first eaglet to fledge the nest of a golden eagle that was translocated to Scotland as part of a restoration project. The 99-year-old naturalist has christened the baby eagle 'Princeling', a name that symbolizes the new hope for the species' recovery.

The eaglet's arrival is part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP), which aims to increase the golden eagle population throughout the country. The project has now expanded its efforts to England and Wales under the Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) initiative, further broadening the scope of the conservation work.

Sir David Attenborough has praised the RUN team's efforts, stating that the fledging of this young golden eagle is a "game-changing moment in UK conservation." The chief executive of RUN, Dr. Cat Barlow, has expressed excitement over Princeling's successful integration into the native population, highlighting the potential for translocated eagles to breed and thrive in their new habitats.

The news of Princeling's hatching was kept secret until he was ready to leave the nest, in order to protect his safety and welfare. The eaglet was tagged and monitored by experts from the RUN team, with support from local organizations and landowners. His parents, Emma and Keith, had made their nest near Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway, where Princeling later hatched.

This remarkable recovery story has been made possible through a collaborative effort involving individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the community, partners, funders, raptor workers, gamekeepers, and estate managers. The RUN chairman, Michael Clarke, expresses the hope that Princeling's arrival will foster a shared sense of responsibility for the golden eagle's survival, ultimately consigning the illegal persecution of these magnificent birds to the history books.