A Living Phenomenon in Bulgaria: Peregrine Falcon Romeo Sets World Record for Age

Romeo, the peregrine falcon located at the 'Green Balkans' wildlife rescue center, has become the focus of the scientific community due to his extraordinary longevity. The bird is the first scientifically documented representative of the species to reach 32 years of age, which is significantly above the average lifespan for the European peregrine falcon.

According to Dr. Rusko Petrov, the center's operational manager, falcons of this species typically live for about 25 years, and cases exceeding 26 years are extremely rare. Romeo was brought from the Bojnice Zoo in 1993 and is now entering his 33rd year.

Despite being in a rehabilitation center, Romeo plays a critical role in the restoration of the species in Bulgaria. He is the parent of over 60 falcon chicks, 20 of which have been successfully returned to the wild. One of his daughters even managed to create a nest in the Sliven region in 2018, which is a sign of progress in conservation programs.

Despite these successes, the situation for peregrine falcons in the country remains tense. Currently, only three nesting pairs are observed in Bulgaria. Dr. Petrov warns of serious threats from human activity—illegal shooting and, especially, bird poisoning. He points out that some hunters use poisoned pigeons as bait, which leads to mass mortality among birds of prey such as falcons, hawks, and eagles.

The statistics are alarming: out of 187 released peregrine falcons, about 60 percent fail to survive in the wild due to human factors. These challenges highlight the urgent need for stricter control and a responsible attitude toward ecosystems in Bulgaria.