Rescued Imperial Eagle 'Felix' Released into Wild After Captivity in Middle East

Felix, a young Imperial Eagle, has been released back into the wild near Subotica, marking the end of an extraordinary nine-month ordeal that began with his capture in the Middle East. The eagle, who was rescued from captivity and returned to Serbia by the Serbian Air Force, was set free by the Society for the Protection and Study of Birds of Serbia, the Provincial Institute for Nature Protection, and the Palić Zoo.

Felix's journey involved being captured and held for ransom in Syria. He was eventually rescued by the Lebanese Association for the Protection of Migratory Birds, spending over half a year in their care in northern Lebanon while negotiations for his safe return took place. The eagle finally arrived back in Serbia on June 22, transported by a Serbian Air Force aircraft.

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Our biggest concern in the first few days was whether he would accept food and how he would react after everything he had been through.

Upon his return, Felix was housed at the Palić Zoo's rehabilitation center for protected and strictly protected wild species. Sonja Mandić, director of the Palić Zoo, reported that Felix arrived exhausted from the long transport. "Our biggest concern in the first few days was whether he would accept food and how he would react after everything he had been through," she stated. Zoo staff carefully monitored his health, fitness, and behavior, experimenting with different foods to help him regain strength.

After more than a month of observation, feeding, and flight exercises in a large aviary, Felix demonstrated sufficient strength and flying ability for release. He underwent a final examination, received new identification rings, and had a lightweight telemetry device attached to his back – the same device that allowed ornithologists to track his flight to the Middle East last year. On August 6, Felix was taken to a protected area near Subotica, where he took flight once more, strong and free.

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The Commonwealth ran a major consolidation called Operation Secure Enterprise. Every agency had its own patching and monitoring, and the governor’s office wanted it brought under one roof.