Lonely vulture finally finds love

Barry has been reared by humans for 10 years

A lonely vulture who thought he was human has finally found true love, his keepers have revealed.

Barry the American black vulture, has been reared by humans since his birth 10 years ago and seemed unable to associate with his own kind.

Staff at Kirkleatham Owl Centre near Redcar were worried when Barry began chasing visitors in the hope of mating.

But now they are delighted he has finally been matched with a female shipped in from eastern Europe.

The centre's Craig Wesson said: "Contrary to popular belief, vultures are sensitive creatures, and Barry is particularly highly-strung.

"He was hand-reared and associated more with people than birds.

Sometimes the female pulls Barry's tail feathers Craig Wesson Kirkleatham Owl Centre

"In the last couple of years he has matured and started displaying 24/7. It was a nightmare.

"He would almost exhaust himself, following everyone around, desperate to mate.

"Six weeks ago, the immature female friend arrived.

"Now they sunbathe together and sometimes the female pulls Barry's tail feathers, provoking a chase around the aviary."

The female is still too young to breed, but may be ready in a couple of years.

"This story has a happy ending, but it could get even better if they have chicks," Mr Wesson said.

American black vultures are common in the wild in North and South America, but are rarely bred in captivity.