Sir David Attenborough names golden eagle chick born in Scotland
Sir David, 99, named the young bird Princeling, meaning young prince, which he says symbolises new hopes for the restoration of the species.
The baby eagle was part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP), which focuses on increasing their numbers across the country.
The project has been extended to England and Wales under Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) to increase the population in other parts of the UK.
Sir David said: 'Many congratulations to all those in Restoring Upland Nature who have brought about the fledging of a young golden eagle.'
Princeling's hatching in spring was kept a secret from the public until he was ready to flee his nest and fly to protect his safety and welfare.
His whereabouts were closely monitored after being tagged by RUN experts in June, with support from a local Scottish Raptor Study Group, landowners and land managers.
The baby eagle was hatched in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway where his parents, Emma and Keith, made their nest.
Emma was named by Lorna Slater MSP, who served as the Scottish Government's biodiversity minister, after she was translocated by SSGEP in 2021.
Princeling's mother was named after Emma Ritch, a Scottish women's right and quality campaigner.
Keith fledged his nest locally, near Galloway.
Revealing the latest news, the chief executive of RUN, Dr Cat Barlow, said: 'What an honour it is for RUN to receive such warm recognition from Sir David Attenborough for this game-changing moment in UK conservation."
'Seeing Princeling thrive in the south of Scotland highlights that, where there are healthy ecosystems and a low risk of persecution, translocated eagles can integrate well into native populations to breed successfully.
'This brings renewed hope to our ambition to reverse biodiversity decline and ensure current and future generations across the UK, including Scotland, England and Wales, can experience that incredible sense of awe on seeing golden eagles soar."
'It is important to highlight that this success is a testament to the support we have received from the community, partners, funders, raptor workers, gamekeepers, estate managers and more."
'We know they will all share in our excitement at today's news and look forward to continuing to work with them, and many new partners, as we build on our success and extend our reach into northern England.'
RUN chairman Michael Clarke said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Princeling and would like to thank Sir David Attenborough and all our partners and supporters for helping us mark this important milestone."
'There has been such a great buzz at our initial success, with golden eagles spotted across southern Scotland and northern England."
'This remarkable recovery story has only been possible through a massive team effort by individuals from all walks of life."
'Our sincere hope now is that Princeling's arrival will cement a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for his survival as a totem of what is possible when people pull together, and share a determination to consign the illegal persecution of these magnificent birds and other raptors to the history books.'
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