We are reintroducing three species to the British Virgin Islands, all of which died out there maybe 100-150 years ago. They are: the Flamingo, the Scarlet Ibis and the Roseate Spoonbill.
We have had fantastic success with the flamingos, with 70 young ones born this year. The Scarlet Ibis, one of the most beautiful birds in the world, is also doing fantastically – we had our first baby born recently.
This is the first Scarlet Ibis born in the British Virgin Islands for over 100 years. They are completely different colour to their parents, which I suspect is so they are not so noticeable to predators when they are young. They turn the incredible scarlet colour after a couple of years.
We hope in time to have the same success with the Scarlet Ibis as we have had with the Flamingos, so the British Virgin Islands as a whole can enjoy the beauty of these birds.
Necker animals – Crested Anole
Necker animals – first Flamingo egg of the season
Necker animals – White-Cheeked Pintail
Necker animals – Esio Trot the tortoise
Photos by Charlie Smith
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
