Young Black Vulture Gets A Second Chance

The following story about a black vulture was shared with us by the Avian Conservation Center in South Carolina.

A young black vulture was admitted to the Avian Conservation Center’s Avian Medical Clinic from Walterboro, South Carolina, after being in the same spot for over 24 hours and being easily approached and captured.

The patient was unable to stand for prolonged periods of time and had a build up of urates around the vent. This suggested some spinal or pelvic bruising.

The vulture was quarantined due to the outbreak of high path avian influenza (HPAI) and general odd behavior and circumstances of admission. Thankfully, HPAI results came back negative.

Unlike other vulture patients we admit to the clinic, this particular bird would not self feed. We spent a harrowing week administering EmerAid IC Carnivore, risking regurgitation (a vulture’s best line of defense!) to provide nutrients and supportive care while the patient recovered. We worked in hand feedings to encourage self feeding once the vulture stood on its own consistently.

After 2 1⁄2 weeks, the vulture was moved to an outdoor flight enclosure and subsequently released back to its family flock.