The rehabilitation of a young griffon at Pallavicino Park

Since last October, a young griffon vulture, one of the large vultures symbolizing Europe’s mountain landscapes, has been hosted at Pallavicino Park, where it is undergoing a delicate rehabilitation process in preparation for its return to the wild.

 

The griffon was found in the Domodossola area, in a state of distress also due to subacute lead poisoning, which remains one of the main threats to this species. After receiving initial care, the animal was taken in by Pallavicino Park, where it has benefited from targeted treatments and constant monitoring.

 

It is a young specimen. In the months following its arrival, the griffon has been monitored with particular care by the park’s team, with the aim of supporting a full physical recovery.

 

To support its rehabilitation, the bird was placed in the flight tunnel, an area not accessible to the public, designed to allow birds in rehabilitation to strengthen their muscles and gradually regain their ability to fly, a crucial step toward a future return to the wild.

 

At present, the griffon is still under observation. While awaiting the full recovery of its abilities, the biologist of Pallavicino Park and their staff have initiated contacts with facilities and reserves specialized in griffon management, in order to identify a suitable environmental context where the bird can be released once deemed ready and where it will have the opportunity to join other individuals of its species.

 

The rescue of the griffon is part of Pallavicino Park’s broader commitment to biodiversity conservation and the responsible care of animals in distress, carried out in collaboration with institutions, professionals, and specialized local centers, as previously done with the young goshawk.

 

The griffon vulture is one of the largest soaring birds in Europe, with a wingspan that can exceed two and a half meters. For a long time, this raptor—also playing an important ecological role—was at risk of extinction in Italy due to direct persecution, poisoning, and habitat loss. Thanks to major repopulation and conservation projects, implemented in recent decades especially in the Alps and the Apennines, griffon populations are now increasing significantly.

 

The journey of this young specimen at Pallavicino Park tells a story of care, expertise, and respect for nature’s timing, with the ultimate goal of seeing it soar once again, majestic, in its natural environment.