Zoo-Born Golden Eagle Released into Wild for 1st Time in Japan

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., June 18 (Jiji Press)–A young Japanese golden eagle that was born at a Tokyo zoo was released in Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Thursday, as part of efforts to bring the species back to the area. This was the first case in Japan of a zoo-born Japanese golden eagle being released in the hope that it would be successfully reintegrated into the wild, according to people familiar with the matter. The Japanese golden eagle is an endangered species, as well as a national natural monument. Zoo-born eagles will be released in the Miyagi town, which was once a breeding ground for the birds, on three occasions through fiscal 2028, in the hope of establishing a population in the local area. In 1955, the country’s third Japanese golden eagle nest was confirmed in the town. The number of eagles in the area then fell due to a decline in grassland and other habitats suitable for hunting small animals, with no eagles observed by around 2012. The eagle population has also declined throughout the country. Hoping to turn the situation around, a public-private project was launched about 10 years ago. Since then, the project has included efforts such as mowing grass to help restore an environment suitable for the eagles. Recalling seeing the eagles fly overhead when he was 11 years old, Takuya Suzuki, 54, who heads the project’s council, said, “I was proud that there were eagles in the town.” Although the grassland area has expanded thanks to the efforts under the project, the decision to release a zoo-born eagle was made due to the possibility that the species could become extinct before habitat restoration efforts bear fruit. The council raised about 15 million yen in two months through crowdfunding launched in January this year, exceeding its target. The young eagle released in Minamisanriku on Thursday was born at the Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo in March. The bird was transported to Minamisanriku in May and raised in an enclosure in Mount Okinakura, where golden eagles once nested. The eagle’s movements were monitored by cameras installed in the enclosure, in order to prevent the bird from becoming habituated to humans. Food was given to the bird through a small door to avoid human contact. “It was frustrating and difficult not to be able to check whether the eagle was feeding well,” said Yuichi Hokari, 26, who was in charge of taking care of the bird. As the eagle grew, it was fed quails, pheasants and rabbits. The eagle “became more active than when it first arrived in Minamisanriku and was able to fly a little,” Hokari said. When the enclosure’s door opened at around 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, the young eagle flew off powerfully. “I’m relieved (that the eagle) took off without major issues,” Hokari said, adding, “I hope that it adapts to its new environment and survives in the wild.” The released eagle will be monitored from a distance using binoculars and other equipment, relying on the transmitter attached to its back. Suzuki said, “I hope (the bird) will help prevent the extinction of Japanese golden eagles.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]