SIDI ZID, Tunisia, 7 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Aquila, a rescued golden eagle, was left grounded after poachers in Tunisia cruelly clipped his wings. However, following months of rehabilitation, he has now regained his freedom—a rare conservation success in a country where wildlife faces increasing threats from climate change and human activity.
The rescue was part of ResQ, a wildlife protection programme initiated two years ago by the Tunisian Wildlife Association (ATVS). The initiative provides a second chance for birds and other endangered species, which are often victims of poaching, habitat destruction, and extreme weather conditions.
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Rescue and Recovery
Run by around 40 conservationists, including students and professionals, the programme focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and raising awareness about Tunisia’s fragile biodiversity.
“When we rescue these birds, their wings are often cut, and they are in a terrible state,” said Ridha Ouni, head of the Tunisian Ornithology Association, who personally cared for Aquila.
“It is heartbreaking to see such noble creatures treated this way.”
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is protected under Tunisian law and classified as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, illegal hunting, trapping, and habitat loss due to climate change continue to endanger its survival.
Aquila’s Journey to Freedom
Aquila was rescued in July 2024 from a private owner in the semi-desert region of Gabès. He was then transferred to Ouni’s rehabilitation centre in Sidi Thabet, where he spent months recovering alongside rescued falcons, harriers, kites, fennec foxes, and wolves.
After regaining strength, Aquila was released from Mount Sidi Zid, chosen for its high vantage point and rich biodiversity, ensuring the best chance of survival.
“Now is the migration season, the ideal time to release him,” said Ouni, a self-taught conservationist in his 60s, as he watched the majestic bird take flight.
A Step Forward in Conservation
For Jamila Bouayed, the 32-year-old director of ATVS, witnessing Aquila return to the wild was deeply emotional:
“Rehabilitating a wild animal and returning it to nature is exceptional.”
Veterinary student Maha Clostio, 27, recalled how Aquila was discovered:
“We were in the south to release a fennec fox when we found him. He was dehydrated, had injuries on his talons, and was slightly ill.”
With only around 50 breeding pairs of golden eagles left in Tunisia, conservationists are hopeful that efforts like these will help restore their population.
Challenges Ahead
Despite successes like Aquila’s, the battle against poaching and illegal wildlife trade remains a major challenge.
Habib Rekik, an IT specialist and ResQ coordinator, documents rescues and releases to raise awareness.
“There is still a long way to go. Few people here realise these animals are protected by law and should be in nature, not in cages or private gardens,” he said.
One common sight in Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque village overlooking the Mediterranean, is tourists posing for photos with falcons—a practice conservationists discourage.
“If you want to admire birds of prey, watch documentaries or observe them in their natural habitat,” Rekik urged.
The Future of ResQ
While public awareness is growing, funding remains a challenge. ResQ relies entirely on private donations and crowdfunding, as government support for conservation remains limited.
Their next goal is to renovate the rehabilitation centre’s aviaries and establish an environmental education centre to inspire future generations of conservationists.
Tunisia’s Wildlife Crisis
Tunisia, home to a diverse range of species, has seen a decline in its bird of prey population due to habitat destruction and climate change-induced droughts. Other endangered species, including the Barbary lion and North African cheetah, have already become extinct in the region.
Conservationists warn that unless stronger laws and awareness campaigns are implemented, more species could face the same fate.
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