A white dome in Cota, Colombia, hides a jungle recreated for a pair of harpy eagles rescued from illegal trafficking. These eagles, monogamous by nature, are being cared for in hopes of them forming a romance and eventually having offspring to help preserve this endangered species. The metal fence that separated them for two years was opened recently, and they are now showing signs of affection towards each other.
The female eagle, with a prominent gray crest, still carries pellets in her body from previous injuries. The male eagle, smaller in size, has an immobile left wing. Both were rescued in 2018 and are now being closely monitored in the Bioparque La Reserva in Cota. The eagles are under constant observation through security cameras, as their caretakers hope for the successful birth of a baby eagle.
The harpy eagle is the largest eagle in the Western Hemisphere and is currently in a vulnerable state, with a declining population worldwide. Hunting and deforestation are major threats to this species, and efforts are being made to protect and preserve them. The couple at the Bioparque La Reserva in Cota is a rare captive union in Colombia and represents a beacon of hope for the conservation of harpy eagles.
The eagles’ behaviors are closely watched by researchers and scientists, who are optimistic about the possibility of them having offspring. The project to care for and breed harpy eagles in a controlled environment is part of a larger conservation effort to protect these magnificent birds from extinction. Through careful monitoring and research, the hope is to increase their numbers and ensure a bright future for the harpy eagle population in Colombia and beyond.