Peregrine Falcon chick living on iconic Glasgow building dies after 'bird flu' scare

Daily Record

12-06-2025

Jack, named after lovable Still Game character Jack Jarvis, was one of two chicks born in April on the gothic spire of the Gilbert Scott Building at the University of Glasgow.
A peregrine falcon chick which lived on the roof of a Scots university has sadly been put to sleep after suspected 'bird flu'.
Jack, named after lovable Still Game character Jack Jarvis, was one of two chicks born in April on the gothic spire of the Gilbert Scott Building at the University of Glasgow.
Jack hatched alongside brother Victor in the spring at the nest of proud parents Bonnie and Clyde. The stunning raptors were being closely monitored by a the Glasgow Peregrine Project.
The duo inspired by the Craiglang favourites captured the attention of birdwatchers and the public with regular updates being shared on social media - with a series of cameras around the University campus capturing the action.
This week Jack and Victor were all set to spread their wings with a series of attempts to spread their wings. But whilst Victor attempted his first fledgling concerns began to grow over Jack.
The project shared a series of worrying updates earlier in the week. On Wednesday morning they shared that Jack was "seriously unwell". A rescue mission was launched that day which involved a member wincing themselves to a lower ledge on the tower.
Jack was taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA but after assessing him he was deemed likely to have contracted bird flu. Vets were forced to put him down to "ease his suffering".
In a statement. Glasgow Peregrine Project said: "It is with sadness that we must report that after pulling out all the stops and effecting a rescue, Jack has passed away.
"The UoG and all the Project team have monitored him through the night and worked throughout the day to put the rescue plan in place. Work that would ordinarily be done in a month was done in a day to expedite Jack's care.
"The SSPCA assessed Jack and deemed that he had likely contracted Bird Flu and sadly, had to put him down to ease his suffering.
A video was posted showing the daring rescue with a member of the project hanging over the hedge of the tower and being carefully lowered down. He was spotted wearing full protective gear and a mask.
The project say the rest of the birds will be "closely monitored".
They added: "Given this circumstance, we will continue round the clock monitoring of the entire family. Your sightings and any significant observations would be greatly appreciated."
Tributes poured in for Jack with well-wishers taking to the Facebook post to express their condolences.
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Vivien Hamilton wrote: "Bless you all! Poor Jack, I was so hoping he would be okay. But wonderful what you have managed to do, so quickly and effectively."
Elaine Elizabeth said: "Oh that is so so sad. Thank you for caring & making sure he didn't suffer any more. RIP Jack."
Yung Locarno said he could hear mum Bonnie giving out "distress cries" after Jack was taken away.
He posted: "Very sad news about Jack. Saw him this morning on the ledge and he was clearly struggling, and suffering.
"Was in the West quad for an hour or so this evening (after Jack was taken away) and Mum, Dad and Victor were all high up on the spire. Parents were trying to encourage Victor to fly, which he did eventually - a small circle round, high above the quad then back to the spire.
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"They all seem fine as far as I could tell, Mum was giving out a lot of distress cries after Jack was taken away - which is normal I would expect. Here's hoping they are all well and remain so."
The Scottish SPCA said; "The Scottish SPCA was contacted by the project team with concerns about the falcon's health. Following a thorough assessment and consultation with our experts at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, it was determined that, to prevent further suffering, the only humane option was to carry out euthanasia.
"This decision was not taken lightly and was made in the best interest of the bird's welfare."