Saving Vultures: An African Adventure
At the end of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Africa and volunteer at VulPro, a wildlife rehabilitation and conservation facility specializing in vultures. After working with Ruppell's Griffon Vultures at the Zoo for nearly 25 years, I was thrilled to join the front lines, thanks to the Louisville Zoo's CARES Grant program. Our day-to-day work at the Zoo is a huge part of conservation — but being able to assist with rehabilitation on the forefront in Africa was a dream come true.
The Crisis Facing African Vultures
African Vultures have been rapidly declining over the last 40 years due to poisoning and power line collisions. Of the 11 species in Africa, six are endangered or critically endangered, with 97 percent of their populations wiped out. Vultures are crucial for the ecosystem, removing disease and bacteria from the environment — they're like nature's clean-up crew.
With the vulture population plummeting in South Africa, VulPro was established to focus solely on vultures — to be their voice and prevent extinction. Each year, up to 250 vultures are admitted with illnesses and injuries, the most common being broken wings from power line collisions. VulPro's mission is to help every bird, providing a safe home and purpose for non-releasable birds through education and breeding programs.
Life at VulPro
My time at VulPro couldn't have been better timed, as I arrived during the busy chick-fledging season in November and December. For 24 days, I lived on-site next to VulPro's clinic, waking up to the sounds of bickering vultures and assisting with rescues and medical treatments around the clock.
During my stay, we admitted 19 birds with various health issues, and I participated in 20 rescue runs. Each rescue was unique, involving searches through yards, woods, or fields from a few minutes to a few hours across South Africa. The days were packed with feeding, cleaning, and observing the 116 birds at the facility, ensuring their health and well-being starting at 6 a.m.
VulPro's on-site clinic handles initial triage and treatments. Each bird is assessed for injuries and dehydration upon arrival, and records are meticulously kept. Twice daily, the team would rally at the clinic, look over the patient list, and begin treatments — even on Christmas.
How You Can Help
Join the cause to protect these magnificent birds and support VulPro's vital conservation efforts. Your help can make a difference in safeguarding the future of vultures in Africa and at home by learning more at aza.org/safe-species. Every visit and membership to the Louisville Zoo helps to support conservation for wildlife and wild places!
