Her Serene Highness Princess Charlène took part in an emotional wildlife release ceremony yesterday May 11 in the Alpes-Maritimes, helping a rare Kobez falcon return to the wild after an extraordinary eight-month recovery…
The young bird had been discovered in critical condition near Nice Airport in October 2025 after suffering severe electrocution injuries, including burns and multiple fractures. Rescued by the Instinct Animal association, the falcon underwent highly specialised treatment at the Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Centre at the Calern Observatory.
Veterinarians and wildlife specialists implemented innovative medical techniques rarely used in bird rehabilitation, including laser therapy to improve blood circulation and advanced biological dressings introduced only months earlier. Experts initially feared the injuries would prove fatal.
Moved by the story, HSH Princess Charlène, who serves as president of the SPA de Monaco refuge, officially became patron of the Instinct Animal association during the visit.
The release drew residents and supporters to the observatory to witness the final stage of the falcon’s rehabilitation. After just a few seconds of hesitation, the bird successfully took flight, marking what rescuers described as the culmination of months of intensive care and dedication.
The Kobez falcon remains an exceptionally rare species in France, with only a handful observed annually on the Caussols plateau before continuing migratory routes towards Asia.
Image: Prince’s Palace