“A year with Mamba…

It has been nearly a year now since Mamba, one of our spectacular White-headed Vultures, has been under my wing (pun intended). Mamba has been no stranger to our flying demonstrations in the past, but over the past couple of years, the Bird Team decided it would be a good time to see if Mamba would be ready to form a breeding partnership. Mamba was paired with Arthur, an older White-headed Vulture. We thought they might make a perfect duo, creating the next generation of this Critically Endangered species, but we found over time their chemistry didn’t really take off the way we had hoped. Arthur has now found himself a new girlfriend at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. Mamba was left flying solo, and it was time for us to think of a new partner.

Enter Ravenclaw, one of the stars of our Masters of the Sky demonstration. If you’ve seen Ravenclaw soar through the air during one of our displays, you’ll understand why he’s earned a special place in my heart. We have been working together since he was a young bird just beginning his flight training. It is so lovely to see how he has developed into a wonderfully striking and charismatic fellow. Therefore, we are hoping Ravenclaw will charm Mamba – and who could resist the romantic setting of Reg’s Wildflower Meadow to start a budding relationship and maybe inspire some sparks between these two?

Looking ahead, we are hoping to encourage Mamba to fly between our two flight towers in Reg’s Wildflower Meadow, before slowly introducing her to Ravenclaw. It does take time to train larger vultures like this and I have to say, Mamba is a very clever girl. I think she will be the one putting my skills to the test! In time, the aim is for the pair to fly side by side, building that relationship and growing closer as a pair. Who knows, in the future we could see a new love affair unfold before our very eyes!

When I first started working alongside Ravenclaw, I couldn’t have imagined how much impact he would have on spreading the message about the importance of vulture conservation, but also the impact he would have on me. I adore Ravenclaw and am very protective of him. It’s easy to get caught up in the glamour and awe of flying birds, but these magnificent animals face very real threats in the wild, and their role in our ecosystem is irreplaceable. To be even a small part of conserving these birds, helping raise awareness, and contributing to their future success is very humbling and makes me appreciate my role at the Hawk Conservancy Trust every day.

Here’s hoping that romance is in the air and that Mamba and Ravenclaw will find that special something. And if they do, you can bet I’ll be watching from the side-lines with a proud grin, knowing I have been a part of their journey.”