VALENTINE'S Day may have been and gone but the search for a partner must continue for Amelia the endangered Steppe Eagle. 

The 14-year-old joined Muncaster Castle's Hawk and Owl Centre in 2020 as part of its commitment to protecting threatened birds of prey.

Despite previous efforts, matchmaking hasn’t been successful for Amelia and she is a two-time divorcee.

With bird dating apps not an option, Muncaster Castle used their connections with other bird of prey centres across the country, and potential mate Louis has now arrived in Cumbria.

Emma McLachlan, head of birds at the Hawk and Owl Centre, said: "Amelia didn't click with the previous birds we tried to match her with. We have actually got her in with another male, who belongs to Millets Wildside in Oxfordshire.

"We've teamed up with them and we're really hoping that there will be some babies in the near future."

As Steppe Eagles pair for life, they have to be very selective when choosing their partners.

Emma added: "They go through quite an elaborate courtship ritual until we find the right partner for them. She seems to enjoy the new male's company - they sit next to each other in the aviary - so we're hopeful it will move to the next stage. 

"Amelia is a bit of a queen, she's so elegant and so regal. She's a very proud bird, so her mate has to be pretty perfect."

News and Star: Amelia and her potential new partner, LouisAmelia and her potential new partner, Louis (Image: Muncaster Castle)

If Louis proves to be the one for Amelia, then any potential future chick will stay with Muncaster, trained up and flown in the displays, becoming an ambassador for its species, before re-entering the breeding programme.

Emma added: "We want them to start working together to build a nest now and then we would hope that by the end of next month, we will see some eggs arrive. Those eggs will take about 45 days to hatch."

Steppe Eagles take around six years to sexually mature, so a lot of research and planning goes into matchmaking.

Emma concluded: "If people like Amelia's story and they want to support our mission to protect and save wild birds of prey, one of the best things they can do is come and see us, and meet Amelia in person."