Conservationists have expressed deep shock and sadness following the suspicious disappearance of the first white-tailed eagle to be born in the wild in Dorset for centuries. The juvenile bird, known as G834, fledged in 2025 and had been roaming widely across England this spring before its satellite tag stopped transmitting in the North York Moors.
North Yorkshire Police are investigating the disappearance after analysis by the National Wildlife Crime Unit deemed it suspicious. The bird arrived on the western side of the North York Moors on April 30, and its tag ceased communication overnight into May 1, with no further transmissions since.
Historic breeding success
G834 was the first white-tailed eagle born in the wild in Dorset in 240 years, part of a project to restore the birds of prey to England. These eagles, nicknamed "flying barn doors" due to their wingspan of up to 8ft (2.4m), were once widespread in southern England until persecution wiped them out in the 18th century.
The reintroduction project, led by Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, began on the Isle of Wight in 2019 and has released 45 eagles since. The first successful breeding in the wild in England for over 240 years occurred in 2023, with five more chicks born since. Last month, the Government announced plans to release up to 20 young white-tailed eagles over three years in Exmoor National Park.
Conservationists' response
A joint statement from Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the suspicious disappearance of this young white-tailed eagle. It was the first to be bred in the wild in Dorset for 240 years and was beginning to really settle into the landscape. The return of this lost species to England has so much support from the public and we know that many people will be devastated to hear this news."
The conservationists monitor satellite data showing the birds' minute-by-minute movements daily, and any suspicious or unusual data is always investigated. They encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Broader context of persecution
Despite concerns that the birds could prey on livestock, a 2024 study found the Isle of Wight eagles targeted cuttlefish, rabbits, fish, and other birds, with no conflicts with farming. However, the birds have faced opposition from some in the gamebird shooting community. Police have investigated the suspicious disappearances of three birds last year in Sussex and Wales, and in 2022, two released eagles were found dead, prompting investigations in Dorset and the Isle of Wight.
