The oldest Danube eagle in the world has turned 32 years old and has set a world record.

A 32-year-old Danube falcon (sacred falcon) named Romeo has been declared the first documented specimen of this species, according to Dr. Rusko Petrov, the operational director of the 'Green Balkans' Wildlife Rescue Center in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.

Hatched in May 1993 at the National Zoo in Bojnice, Slovakia, Romeo has surpassed the longevity record for the European Danube falcon, which typically lives around 25 years. Although this species has disappeared as a breeding bird in Bulgaria, Romeo has played a crucial role in the population recovery, having over 60 chicks, more than 20 of which have been released into the wild.

Petrov emphasized that poisoning and illegal shooting remain major threats to its species, with 60% of the released falcons being lost due to human activities. Conservation efforts continue to face significant challenges.