vulture
September 3, 2022

International Vulture Awareness Day

Patrolling the skies on enormous wings, vultures can soar for hours at a time without flapping them once. From Europe to the Americas, and across Africa as well as Asia, these awe-inspiring birds are vital to ecosystems worldwide. Functioning as “sanitation workers” in their native ranges, these beautiful scavengers help keep disease from spreading by cleaning up carrion and carcasses.

Together, we’re working toward a healthier future for all by saving endangered vultures and protecting their native habitats. Join us at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5 as we celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day, and these unsung heroes—all weekend long.

SEE YOU THERE

Saving Vultures

Your support is helping to save and protect endangered vultures around the globe. Check out the video below to discover more about these incredible birds, and how together we’re making a difference.

All About Vultures

  • DID YOU KNOW

    • Vultures communicate with each other using behavioral cues, often mate for life, and have been known to use “tools” to access food—but what makes a vulture? Swoop into the fascinating world of these ecological heroes.

    Hope Begins Here

  • ROAD TO RECOVERY

    • When the first California condor was brought to the Safari Park in 1982, only 22 remained on the planet. Through decades of collaborative conservation, and with the support of allies like you, hope is on the horizon. Today, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of cutting-edge condor conservation, there are more than 500—and several hundred soaring above the coastlines and deserts of Baja California, Mexico and the American Southwest.

    New Era of Vulture Conservation

  • EXCITING HATCHLING

    • For the first time, an endangered western Egyptian vulture hatched and is being raised at the Safari Park, bringing hope for the future of this striking species found across the savannas, grasslands, and inland cliffs of Africa.

    Extraordinary Condor Chicks

  • SHOCKING FIRSTS

    • In a groundbreaking discovery that made headlines worldwide, our conservation scientists report the first confirmed hatchlings of California condors from unfertilized eggs.

    Changing Misperceptions

  • VITAL CONNECTIONS

    • Discover how vultures are connected to all life, from the largest organisms to the smallest—and how we can make a difference by connecting with them at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

    Kids of All Ages

  • EXPLORE

    • Why do vultures have bald heads? And why are condors nicknamed “thunderbirds”? Get wild with fun facts, stories, games, and more on our San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers site.

    Amazing Wildlife

  • TUNE IN

    • Dive into the incredible recovery story of the California condor by tuning into our Amazing Wildlife podcast episode, “California Condor: Wings of the Southwest.” Explore this species’ deep ties to the Southwest region, how you can spot this vulture in the skies overhead, and the vital work that took place to reintroduce the largest North American bird back into its native habitats.

    The Next Generation

  • SAFARI PARK LIVE

    • Watch in real time as California condors incubate their latest egg at the Safari Park, on our Condor Cam.

    Together for Wildlife

  • GIVE TODAY

    • As an ally, you’re securing the future for wildlife and the planet we all share. Your monthly gift helps save, protect, and care for wildlife at the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and in eight key conservation hubs across the globe. Together, we’re creating a world where all life thrives.