The young vulture which escaped from Blijdorp zoo in Rotterdam several weeks ago has been recaptured in Germany, close to the city of Leipzig.

The vulture was spotted in a garden and the owner called in a local bird watching group which in turn brought in an expert. He fed the vulture for several days to win its trust and was eventually able to catch it.

Blijdorp director Erik Zevenbergen said he was glad the vulture had been caught and could be properly cared for. ‘This could have all ended very differently,’ he told NOS radio.

However, the vulture is unlikely to return to Rotterdam, he said. ‘This vulture was born here but was destined to go to another zoo as part of a captive breeding programme.’

Griffon vultures can fly hundreds of kilometres a day at a speed of up to 70 kilometres per hour. Occasionally wild griffon vultures from Spain have made their way to the Netherlands, usually when food is scarce. Last year one made its home on Texel for a time.