Bhubaneswar, June 12: Nandankanan Zoological Park has suffered a major setback with the death of a three-month-old long-billed vulture chick, which was born on March 11 this year. The chick died on Monday morning, reducing the number of long-billed vultures at the zoo to 10.
The death has dampened hopes of successful conservation and breeding of the endangered species at Nandankanan’s Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre. The chick's birth had marked a significant milestone, as it was the first successful hatching at the centre after nearly 14 years of continuous efforts.
Vultures have virtually disappeared from Odisha since the 1999 Super Cyclone, prompting wildlife authorities to initiate conservation measures. To revive the species and eventually release them into the wild, a dedicated breeding centre was established at Nandankanan in 2012.
Despite repeated breeding attempts over the years, the programme faced several setbacks, including infertile eggs and the death of hatchlings soon after birth. However, a breakthrough came when a male vulture, K-42, and a female vulture, K-46, successfully mated between December 2025 and January 2026. The female laid an egg on January 16, from which the chick hatched on March 11.
The chick had been under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and regular veterinary monitoring since birth. On Monday morning, zoo authorities noticed the chick lying unconscious. Veterinary doctors examined the bird and confirmed its death.
The exact cause of death remains unknown. Officials have preserved the carcass for post-mortem examination, and the reason behind the chick’s death will be ascertained after the report is received.
