Our Partners and Collaborators
VulPro
Uitenhage SPCA
Grahamstown Vet Clinic
Dr. Annie Mears
Rescuing Vultures from Certain Death at So-Called ‘Sanctuary’
The Plight of the Vultures
The vulture-duo rescue journey began when WeWild Africa was alerted by the Uitenhage SPCA and several community members about two vultures in distress. These were no ordinary birds; they were a Cape Vulture and a White-backed Vulture, both iconic species in the African skies. These magnificent birds were found in a state of depression, overweight (in fact over double their natural/acceptable body weight), and unable to fly, a consequence of improper feeding and care.
Understanding Cape and White-backed Vultures
The Cape Vulture and the White-backed Vulture play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by acting as nature’s clean-up crew, preventing the spread of diseases from carcasses. Unfortunately, both species face threats from habitat loss, poisoning, disturbances at breeding sites, and hunting, leading to a decline in their populations. The Cape Vulture is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and the White-backed Vulture is classified as “Critically Endangered.”
The Legal and Rescue Challenge
Complicating the rescue efforts was the fact that the owners of these vultures did not possess the necessary permits for the White-backed Vulture. In fact, it was clear that the owners did not know the difference between the two. Despite initial resistance from the owners, a warrant was eventually obtained to remove the vultures. The operation to rescue them was akin to a sting operation, carefully planned and executed by WeWild Africa in collaboration with specialist vulture conservation agency, Vulpro and local authorities. It is always unfortunate when an owner of a ‘sanctuary’ is not willing to cooperate in providing improved conditions for animals living under such poor management.
The Road to Recovery
Upon rescue, the vultures underwent a rehabilitation process at Vulpro. They were placed on a specialized diet to reduce their weight to a healthy level. The Cape Vulture was successfully released back into the wild. The White-backed Vulture became part of a vital breeding program, contributing to the conservation of its species.
Collaborative Efforts
This successful rescue and rehabilitation was made possible through collaboration with several organizations. WeWild Africa worked closely with VulPro, an organization dedicated to vulture conservation, and Uitenhage SPCA, Grahamstown Vet Clinic, and Dr. Annie Mears. Our collaborator’s combined dedication to conservation and expertise have been instrumental in giving these vultures a new lease on life, ensuring the continued survival and well-being of these important species in our ecosystem.
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Wiki West
- February 13, 2022
