Facing danger - the Griffon Vulture
Rupert the Rupells Griffon Vulture is an Ambassador, helping us raise awareness and funds for the International Vulture Programme. Born in Kent in 2000, Rupert is part of our Bird of Prey Flying team.
The numbers of Asian Vultures have declined by as much as 95% in recent years and studies point to anti-inflammatory drugs used on livestock as a key cause. Cattle carcases with the drug in their system are proving lethal to the birds.
Vultures enjoy the more arid and mountainous areas of Africa, particularly semi-desert and desert fringes, they roost on inaccessible rock ledges. Adults are close to 1m in length, with a wingspan of around 2.6m and a weight around 7 – 9 kg . They can travel at speed, cruising at up to 35 kilometres per hour (22 mph), and will fly as far as 150 kilometres (93 mi) from a nest site to find food.
Vultures are unable to catch or kill live prey as their feet are unable to grip as tightly as an eagle and their talons are often blunt. They will soar for many hours using rising thermals often covering hundreds of miles in search of carrion. They make use of thier long neck and often bald head for delving deep inside rotting carcasses and allows for easy cleaning after a big meal. They have an especially powerful bill and will eat even the hide and bones of a carcass, gorging until they can barely fly.
These vultures are considered the world’s highest-flying bird, with confirmed evidence of a flight at an altitude of 11,000 metres (36,100 ft) above sea level.
Why not consider adopting a Griffon Vulture and helping us with their conservation?
