In an attempt to reintroduce the Egyptian vulture to South Africa, two of these birds will soon be homed in Hartbeespoort. These birds have been extinct in South Africa for decades and a breeding pair is currently in quarantine at a zoo in Johannesburg.
“For the first time in decades, two African Egyptian Vultures are joining VulPro’s breeding programme. This is just the start of our efforts to reintroduce the species to South Africa. This programme marks a historic step towards reintroducing Egyptian Vultures into the wild, aiming for a sustainable breeding population in South Africa,” said Keri Wolter, founder of VulPro.
The birds are currently in quarantine at Lory Park Zoo to ensure a smooth transition and optimal health as they acclimate to their new surroundings. After quarantine, the pair will be homed at VulPro in Hartbeespoort until permits can be obtained to move them to the new VulPro centre at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape
The birds come from the World Bird Sanctuary and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in America. “For years we’ve worked toward the shared goal of reintroducing Egyptian vultures into their native habitat. Each new success is a testament to the power of international collaboration in wildlife conservation,” said Andrew Stehly, Curator of Birds at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
“The Egyptian Vulture, also known as “Pharaoh’s Chicken,” is one of the most fascinating birds in the world! Sadly, Egyptian vultures are endangered worldwide due to habitat loss, poisoning, and other human-related threats. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these incredible birds,” Wolter said.
“One fascinating fact about Egyptian vultures is their use of tools, which is exceptionally rare among birds. These intelligent vultures are known to pick up stones and use them to break open the hard shells of ostrich eggs, demonstrating remarkable problem-solving abilities. This behaviour showcases their adaptability and intelligence, setting them apart as one of the few avian species capable of using tools in the wild.”
“This achievement is the culmination of extensive planning and coordination, representing a notable milestone in our ongoing commitment to safeguarding endangered species and preserving biodiversity,” Wolter said.