A look back at released vultures
In celebration of International Vulture Awareness Day, the National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria proudly reflects on the ongoing success and challenges of its Cape Vulture breeding and release program. International Vulture Awareness Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of September, and this year, it will be celebrated on Saturday, 7 September 2024.
Since its inception in 1996, the program has played a critical role in the conservation of the vulnerable Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres),native to southern Africa. Through collaboration with VulPro, a vulture conservation organisation, the NZG has made significant strides in supplementing wild populations with captive-bred birds.
This ongoing effort aligns closely with the recently published Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures in South Africa. This plan aims to implement strategic conservation actions across the geographic ranges of all nine vulture species found in South Africa, with a particular focus on the seven resident breeding species. The plan’s ultimate goal is to recover these populations to acceptable levels by 2033, reinforcing concerted, collaborative, and coordinated international efforts.
To mark this important day, the NZG invites the public to a special celebration featuring a range of engaging activities. Visitors can observe the resident vultures as they enjoy specially prepared enrichment feeding sessions that showcase their natural behaviours. The public will also have a unique opportunity to witness parent vultures feeding their chicks on the nests. The NZG staff feed the parent pairs twice a day to support chick rearing, and visitors can observe this vital process. Children aged 8-12 can participate in a fun and educational puzzle activity, while guests are welcome to stop by the Vulture Talk Station, where experts will share insights into these remarkable birds and their ongoing conservation efforts.
Vultures released in 2015:
- G22741 (007): bred in 2013, this vulture was released in February 2015. Though it was readmitted for rehabilitation and later re-released, it unfortunately died in April 2018. Despite this, tracking data revealed valuable insights into its movements across Botswana and South Africa.
- G22769 (008): hatched in 2012, 008 was released in February 2015. Although its GPS device stopped transmitting, we remain hopeful for future sightings of this bird.
- G22797 – Red Black 56 (026): this male Cape vulture was released in 2015, 026 faced several challenges, including multiple recaptures and re-releases. Unfortunately, it was electrocuted by power lines in September 2020, a reminder of the dangers vultures face in the wild.
Vultures released in 2024:
- G37041 – Khaki Black 83: hatched in July 2023 and released in May 2024, this vulture’s journey has been promising, with its tracking data showing extensive travel across South Africa and Lesotho.
- G37042 – Yellow Black E12: released in May 2024, this vulture managed to remove its tracking device. While its current status is unknown, we remain optimistic about its survival.
- G26481 – Khaki Black 91: released in May 2024, this vulture unfortunately sustained a severe wing injury and had to be euthanised in June 2024.
An essential component of the vulture release program is the use of GPS tracking devices, which provide invaluable data on the movements and behaviour of these birds post-release. These devices are carefully laced around the vultures’ pelvic bones to ensure comfort and durability. This method allows the birds to move freely without discomfort while the tracking devices securely remain in place, enabling researchers to monitor their journeys across southern Africa.
The NZG’s Cape Vulture breeding and release program is more than just a series of successful releases; it’s a critical part of a broader conservation strategy. The recently published Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures underscores the importance of such programs in safeguarding the future of these majestic birds.
Sarah Chabangu, Curator of Birding at the NZG, emphasizes the program’s importance: “Our Cape Vulture breeding program has been a cornerstone of our conservation efforts for nearly three decades. The progress we’ve made, in collaboration with VulPro and other partners, is a testament to our commitment to protecting this vulnerable species. The Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan provides a crucial framework that will guide our efforts in the coming years, ensuring that these birds continue to soar in the skies of Southern Africa.”
As we commemorate International Vulture Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners at VulPro and the dedicated team at NZG. Together, we continue to strive for the protection and preservation of Cape vultures and all vulture species in the wild.
Media enquiries:
Ednah Sekwakwa
Deputy Director Marketing and Communications
E-mail: e.sekwakwa@sanbi.org.za
Tel: 078 617 5202
Or
Shamiela Ebrahim
Marketing & Communications Officer
E-mail: s.ebrahim@sanbi.org.za
Tel :082 733 8854