Egg Rescue

It is from nests disturbed or destroyed by farming that the stock for the UK and local Russian conservation projects is sourced. Under a Federal license, eggs are rescued and incubated at a field station near Saratov. The resulting Great Bustard chicks are reared at the station by dedicated staff who wear dehumanisation suits and feed the birds using a puppet to avoid the chicks imprinting on humans or associating them with food. The birds’ upbringing and nutrition is constantly monitored and evaluated, with great care being given to ensuring that each one remains ‘wild’ and able to fend for itself when it is released, either locally or in the UK. Their only contact with recognisable humans is during veterinary checks as this helps to reinforce their natural aversion to man.