White-tailed eagles have been successfully reintroduced to Scotland and more recently England. Understanding welfare considerations in reintroduction programmes supports continued success.
White-tailed eagle welfare in reintroduction programmes involves the acute stress of translocation alongside the longer-term challenges of establishing in novel environments. Young birds released at hack sites face starvation risk during establishment before they learn to hunt effectively. Poisoning from lead shot in carrion causes neurological damage and slow death. The illegal killing of these protected birds represents both a welfare and conservation crime requiring robust enforcement response.