Discover why vultures are important to the environment.
A Cape Griffon vulture enjoying a meal.
Aug. 31, 2012
Bald is beautiful, especially when it allows an animal to be covered in blood and guts. Find out why at the ABQ BioPark Zoo on Sept. 1 during International Vulture Awareness Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visit the Africa Aviary and understand how these under-appreciated, stunning and endangered birds help our planet.
Learn about the Zoo’s vulture species and their significance to the environment. Discover how biologists study these birds, and why vultures need our help.
“Vultures really do the ‘dirty jobs’ in nature, playing an important role in cleaning up decaying animals,” said Kathryn Venzor, BioPark Education Curator. “We hope to help guest appreciate how amazing vultures are and how all of our actions matter when it comes to protecting them. Many ecosystems and species depend on the work of these often overlooked scavengers.”
Vultures can be found across the globe, from the Americas to Europe, Africa and Asia. Although widespread, many vulture species are becoming endangered due to habitat loss, poaching and use of harmful chemicals. For example, in southern Asia, vulture populations have been decimated by Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug used in cattle that is deadly to vultures that forage on the remains of dead cows. Find out how you can help protect these important members of nature’s clean-up crew.
Vulture Awareness Day is included with regular admission. For more information, email biopark@cabq.gov or dial 311 locally (505-768-2000).
