African White-backed Vulture rescue in the Greater Kruger National Park Vulpro 2021-05-07 | Yesterday we were informed of this African White-backed Vulture with a piece of PVC pipe that got stuck within its beak and around his head.VulPro rushed to Olifants River Private Game Reserve to rescue the bird; otherwise, he would have starved to death. This morning with the help of the warden, Nick and two vets namely Ben, the bird was secured and freed of the pipe and pain. The bird will be held at VulPro for the necessary treatment before it will be released with a tracking device at Olifants after a couple of weeks.A very special thanks to Sandy and her husband from unit 4 at Olifants for alerting us and Olifants staff of the bird. To Nick for his help in making the capture possible, to Errol for catching the bird from the tree, and to Ben, an amazing vet who undertook darting a vulture for the first time in history as no other possible options. Thank you to Lindy from EWT who sent us Ben’s details. This rescue was a team effort and VulPro salutes you all.Lastly, please note VulPro is fully permitted to undertake rescue, rehab, transportation, release and all involved in vulture conservation in most provinces within SA. Watch the space on our YouTube channel for any updates on the release (remember to subscribe to the channel to receive the updates).
Extinction is silent. Hope is loud. - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-08-19 | Watching a hatchling slowly crack out of its shell, filling the room with small, insistent chirps, forces the world to slow down and take notice. It is a messy, fragile, and miraculous sight. A reminder that nature never surrenders, even against impossible odds. This breeding season, 29 chicks have already been reunited with their parents, filling us with an overwhelming sense of hope. With more hatchlings still waiting for that same tender reunion, these transformative moments are only just beginning.#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica #shamwariprivategamereserve
Drone rescue of Cape Vulture - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-08-10 | Not every rescue happens in an open field.Sometimes the terrain is difficult, conditions are challenging and getting to an injured vulture safely requires us to think differently.Our drone is normally used for monitoring, but on this occasion it became an unexpected yet invaluable part of a rescue operation in the Eastern Cape.Because being prepared to respond means having the right people, skills and equipment when they are needed most.Your support helps Vulpro be ready when vultures need us.#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose#SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica
Thank you. - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-08-04 | Thank you to all our partners, sponsors and everyone who contributes to our captive breeding programme. It is because of your generosity that we are able to continue this specialised conservation work. Your commitment allows us to continue investing in the long-term conservation of Africa's vultures.If you would like to be part of this important work, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Kerri at kerri@vulpro.com#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica #ShamwariPrivateGameReserve
Dummy egg to chick - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-08-04 | From dummy egg to chick. A carefully timed exchange that allows the parents to continue raising their young naturally. #Vulpro #SaveVultures #VultureConservation #EndangeredSpecies #ShamwariPrivateGameReserve
A Vulture Family Reunited - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-07-03 | A family reunited.Our little one is finally back with its parents, where it belongs.This successful reunion marks another important milestone in giving Africa's threatened vultures a future.#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose#SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #ShamwariPrivateGameReserve #SouthAfrica
Poisoned Vultures Return To The Wild - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-06-17 | There are few moments in conservation more rewarding than seeing a rehabilitated vulture return to the wild.Recently, seven African White-backed Vultures took to the skies once more, each bird representing another opportunity to strengthen vulnerable wild populations.Most remarkably, four of these birds were victims of a poisoning incident. Rescued just in time, they underwent extensive treatment and rehabilitation before being given a second chance to return to the wild. Their release is a powerful reminder that, with rapid intervention and dedicated care, vultures can recover from even the most serious threats they face.Every release represents countless hours of rescue, rehabilitation, care, monitoring, and dedication from a team committed to safeguarding Africa's threatened vultures. These seven birds now return to the landscapes where they play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.Releasing these birds back into the wild would not have been possible without the support of the Ford Wildlife Foundation-sponsored vehicle. Their partnership enables Vulpro to reach vultures in need, transport injured birds safely, and carry out the critical conservation work required to protect these remarkable species across southern Africa.Together, we are helping to restore and strengthen wild vulture populations across southern Africa.#Vulpro #FordWildlifeFoundation #VulproConservation #SaveVultures #VultureConservation #AfricanWhiteBackedVulture #WildlifeRehabilitation #ConservationInAction #BirdsOfPrey #SouthAfrica #EndangeredSpecies #Biodiversity
Each day, this tiny embryo grows a little more. Vulpro 2026-06-15 | Learn more www.vulpro.com#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose#SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica See less
A new home for rescued Lappet-Faced Vulture - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-05-29 | From the Northern Cape to a new home in the Eastern CapeWe are happy to share that our newest resident, a Lappet-faced Vulture rescued from the Northern Cape earlier this year, has officially arrived and is gently settling into his new home.Lappet-faced Vultures are critically endangered, and every single individual is incredibly precious to the survival of their species. These massive, powerful birds can be quite sensitive to change, so seeing this new arrival calm, comfortable, and taking in his new surroundings after safely recovering from a life saving amputation is the best news we could ask for.Keep an eye out for further updates as he adjusts to his new home.
𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝: 𝐀 𝐋𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐭-𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-05-20 | Among Africa’s rarest and most threatened vultures, the Lappet-faced Vulture faces increasing pressure across its range. Every successful hatch, every healthy fledgling, and every release back into the wild represents an important step towards securing the future of the species.This is the story of one remarkable journey.From the earliest stages of development, careful monitoring allowed the Vulpro team to observe the first signs of life. Candling provided an early glimpse into the developing chick, with each stage closely monitored to ensure healthy growth and development.Then came a fragile yet significant moment: hatching. A new life emerged, small, vulnerable, and entirely dependent on the care and protection around it. During these critical first days, every feed, interaction, and developmental milestone played an essential role in survival.As the chick grew stronger, so too did the foundations needed for life in the wild. Day by day, strength, coordination, and natural behaviours developed, preparing this young vulture for the challenges it would one day face in its natural environment.Natural parenting and behavioural development formed an important part of the process, helping to shape the instincts and responses essential for survival in the wild. With time came confidence, curiosity, and the gradual development of the behaviours this species relies upon to survive.Every stage of the journey focused on one ultimate goal: returning this vulture to the wild.And finally, that moment arrived.Back where it belongs.Raised with purpose. Released for the wild.#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose #SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica
Cape Vulture Copulation - Vulpro Breeding Protocol Vulpro 2026-05-13 | At Vulpro, our captive breeding program serves as a vital lifeline for the preservation of the Cape Vulture. Every individual hatched within our facility is destined for release into the wild, ensuring that our efforts directly bolster dwindling wild populations. To further the global impact of our work, the following video is linked to our comprehensive Cape Vulture Captive Breeding Protocol. This resource was meticulously developed to share our proven methodologies, empowering other conservationists to replicate our success and secure a future for this iconic species.
Eight Cape Vultures Released - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-04-16 | Through dedicated rehabilitation efforts, we continue to supplement and strengthen wild populations of this critically endangered species.Follow our journey as we work to secure a future for Africa’s vultures.#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose#SaveVultures
Vulture Poisoning - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-04-13 | Vulpro, one of Africa’s leading vulture conservation organisations, responded to a severe vulture poisoning incident in the Lephalale area on 9 April 2026. The incident, linked to an attempt to target a predator, resulted in the confirmed deaths of over ten critically endangered White-backed Vultures. An additional three survivors are currently receiving intensive veterinary care.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐎𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞The incident was first reported by a member of the public after vultures were observed displaying abnormal behaviour and falling from trees. Following receipt of photographs, video footage and a GPS location, the Vulpro team rapidly identified clear signs of acute poisoning.Recognising the urgency of a toxicological emergency, Vulpro immediately deployed two response teams equipped with specialised poisoning intervention kits. At the same time, Prof Katja Koeppel and her team from the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital commenced the five-hour journey to the site. A local emergency response network was activated in parallel to assist in securing the area.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞Upon arrival, responders were met with a devastating poisoning scene. A farmer, attempting to target a leopard, laced a carcass with poison and inadvertently attracted vultures to the site, resulting in a mass poisoning of these critically endangered birds. During the response, evidence indicated that an attempt had been made to destroy the poisoned carcass and the remains of multiple vultures. Photographic evidence also suggests the presence of a Cape Vulture at the site, though its fate remains unconfirmed; it is feared this individual may have been among those lost in the attempt to burn the remains. Sakkie Louwrens was first on the scene and located and confronted the farmer. With the involvement of Jurg van Heerden from the Endangered Species Unit, Johan van Wyk of LEDET, and the Law Enforcement team, a formal case was opened. The farmer has since cooperated with the authorities and pleaded guilty to the charges related to the incident.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬Four White-backed Vultures were initially recovered alive from the site. One died shortly after treatment was started. The three remaining vultures survived the initial crisis but remain in a critical condition. The recovery of every individual is a vital win for a species on the brink. According to the IUCN Red List, the White-backed Vulture has a decreasing population of approximately 270,000 individuals, with a median decline rate of 81% over just three generations. In South Africa, the situation is even more precarious, with only about 7,350 mature individuals left. Every bird saved is essential to keeping the species from going extinct.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧This incident demonstrates the importance of rapid reporting and coordinated response. A single call from a member of the public activated an emergency network and directly contributed to the survival of a handful of vultures, and may have helped prevent similar events in the future.In response, Vulpro and the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) have established a collaborative partnership. The APWG team will assist Vulpro by acting as ‘eyes and ears’ in the region, strengthening early detection and response to poisoning incidents involving these threatened species.𝐀𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬Vulpro extends sincere thanks to all those involved in the response:• The member of the public who made the initial report.• The dedicated Vulpro Team for their swift mobilisation and ongoing rehabilitation efforts.• Kathryn (Leshiba Wilderness).• Erinn Straughan and Gareth Thomas (Lapalala Wilderness).• Sakkie Louwrens.• Dr Raman Marais (Ellisras Veterinary Clinic)• Jurg van Heerden from the Endangered Species Unit.• Johan van Wyk of LEDET, also representing Blouberg Nature Reserve and the Law Enforcement team.• Colonel Piet Meyer of the SAPS, who coordinated the SAPS reaction.• Prof Katja Koeppel, Dr Michelle Otto, and the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital team, including:o Vet Students: Jean-luc du Plessis and Werner van der Walt.o Vet Nurse Student: Boitumelo Ngobeni.• The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), particularly Nicci Wright and Dr Kelsey Skinner, for offering the Pangolarium facility for the ground team.• Glenn Phillips (CEO, Lapalala Wilderness Reserve) and his team for going the extra mile; their pivotal role included coordinating security and officials, preparing the clinical environment at the Pangolarium, and providing essential logistical support throughout the night, and providing accommodation for the Vulpro and Onderstepoort teams.This incident highlights the impact that swift reporting and coordinated action can have in conservation emergencies.Learn more vulpro.com#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose#SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica
Vital Release: Critically endangered African White-backed Vultures Released - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-03-24 | Last week, six African White-backed vultures took to the skies, signifying a second chance at freedom and renewed hope for their species.Of these six, four were our 2025 captive-bred offspring. Their non-releasable parents are truly "giving back" to wild populations through the release of their young. Each bird has been fitted with a tracking device, enabling us to monitor their survival, movements, and integration into the wild.Learn more vulpro.com#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose#SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica See less
Two Captive Bred Vultures Released - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-03-19 | From crisis to care, every step matters. This is what it takes to protect and restore Africa’s vulture populations.#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose#SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica
Scavengers in Transit: 20 vultures arrive in the Eastern Cape - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-03-17 | We recently welcomed 20 non releasable vultures to our specialised breeding facility at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.While these rescued birds can no longer return to the wild as nature’s essential scavengers, they now play an equally important role. They form part of Vulpro’s managed breeding programme, helping to secure the future of their species. Their offspring will one day take to the skies, strengthening declining wild populations and supporting the health of the ecosystems that depend on them.Thank you DHL Africa for making this important move possible.#VulPro #VulProConservation #SaveVultures #Vultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #SouthAfrica #endangeredspecies
Ugly? Look again - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-03-09 | 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐬.Often misunderstood, the Cape Vulture is an essential guardian of our ecosystems. Without vultures, disease spreads, balance falters, and the natural systems we depend on begin to unravel.Look closer.From the delicate layering of their feathers to the power and precision of their wings in flight, the Cape Vulture is not only remarkable in form, but indispensable in function. Their presence in our skies is a sign of ecological health. Their absence would be a warning.It is time to see them differently.It is time to value what they protect.Join us in safeguarding Africa’s vultures.Visit www.vulpro.com to learn how you can stand with Vulpro and help secure their future.#VulPro #VulProConservation #SaveVultures #Vultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #SouthAfrica #endangeredspecies
A new perspective on vulture health checks - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-02-23 | Every health check at Vulpro is a true team effort, and we wanted to share a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes when our vultures are monitored and assessed.From careful wing and feather inspections to heartbeat monitoring and precise weight measurements, every step gives us vital insight into a bird’s overall health. Each data point tells a story, helping us understand exactly what that vulture needs to recover, strengthen, and thrive.Whether a bird is preparing for release back into the wild, or remains with us as a permanent resident, this level of specialised care is non negotiable. It is essential to ensuring each vulture has the best possible chance at survival.These health checks are not just routine. They are a frontline part of vulture conservation.Together, we are helping to secure a future where vultures continue to soar across Africa’s skies and play their irreplaceable role in keeping ecosystems healthy.What part of the health check process surprises you the most? Let us know in the comments.#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationInAction #WildlifeVeterinary #BirdsOfPrey #NaturesCleanUpCrew #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica #ShamwariPrivateGameReserve
A love that lasts: Bonded pair reunited - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-02-15 | When Vulpro moved its breeding operations from Hartbeespoort to @shamwariprivategamereserve , a difficult choice was made for the sake of conservation. These two bonded female Cape Vultures were separated in the hope that they would mate with males to help their species grow.But love does not follow a breeding plan.For two long years, neither female would bond with anyone else. They ignored every suitor, waiting for the only partner they had ever wanted.Recognising their incredible loyalty, the team finally reunited them at Shamwari. The moment they saw each other, the two years of separation vanished. They immediately began their “mirror dance,” bowing and courting as if they had never been apart. This Valentine’s Day, we are celebrating the pair who proved that “Mates for Life” is not just a phrase—it is a promise.#Vulpro #ValentinesDay #VultureLove #ProtectVultures #CapeVultures #ConservationWithPurpose #SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica #ShamwariPrivateGameReserve
Who knew vultures could be such romantics? These two at Vulpro are proof that love is universal. Vulpro 2026-02-15 | #Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose#SaveVultures VultureAwareness BirdsOfPrey EndangeredSpecies SouthAfrica ShamwariPrivateGameReserve
Wild Again - Cape Vulture, Squiffy, Is Released -Vulpro Vulpro 2026-02-12 | Found grounded and fighting for survival on a farm, this Cape Vulture, affectionately nicknamed Squiffy, has officially beaten the odds.This rescue was made possible thanks to the quick thinking of farmer Pieter Vorster, who found her and immediately contacted Vulpro to help secure and stabilise her. That first call and his initial intervention were the lifeline Squiffy needed.Despite a collapse and a skewed beak, her road to recovery at Vulpro has been a testament to her resilience. Today, she has been deemed fit to return to the wild. Before her release, she was fitted with a tracking device to monitor her journey and gather vital data to help protect her species.For the team at Vulpro, there is truly nothing as rewarding as the sight of a bird like Squiffy reclaiming her place and soaring through the skies once more.Thank you to everyone who played a role in Squiffy’s rescue, treatment, care, and release. Your support and dedication have helped give her the greatest gift of all, her freedom.Go well, Squiffy. The sky is yours.#VulPro #VulProConservation #SaveVultures #Vultures #VultureAwareness #CapeVulture #BirdsOfPrey #SouthAfrica #endangeredspecies #RewriteTheStory #FarmerSupport #PieterVorster #BackToTheWild
The Guardian. The Future. - Lappet-faced Vulture - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-02-02 | Look who is all grown up! Our first-ever captive-bred Lappet-faced vulture fledgling is thriving and learning to live up to his full potential. He’s a little camera-shy, so we’re admiring his progress from a distance while he stays close to Mom. We couldn’t be prouder of this big step for the species! #vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose#SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica #ShamwariPrivateGameReserve
Cape Vulture Health Checks - Vulpro Vulpro 2026-01-29 | Whether they’re preparing for a life in the skies or staying with us as lifelong residents, every bird at Vulpro receives world class care.Our annual health checks are a true ‘all hands on deck’ effort. From birds being prepared for release to our cherished resident vultures, each individual is weighed, measured and given a thorough health assessment to ensure they are thriving. These checks are essential for monitoring the wellbeing of the species as a whole.Together we are safeguarding the future of these vital scavengers.Curious about our health checks? Share your questions in the comments. We would love to hear from you.#Vulpro #VultureConservation #ProtectVultures #ConservationWithPurpose #SaveVultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #EndangeredSpecies #SouthAfrica #NaturesCleanUpCrew #WildlifePhotography
Supplies Save Lives - Vulpro Vulpro 2025-11-26 | A small gift can make a big difference 🎄From printer paper and soap to life-saving hospital supplies, every item on our Christmas Wish List helps care for vultures in need.Discover how you can make this festive season meaningful: vulpro.com/wish-list#VulPro #SaveVultures #ChristmasGiving #WishListForWildlife #Vultures #BirdsOfPrey #SouthAfrica #EndangeredSpecies
Tagging Tomorrows Giants - Vulpro 2025 Captive Bred Fledglings moved to soft release at Shamwari Vulpro 2025-11-16 | Our 2025 captive bred vultures are getting ready to take to the skies. Each bird will be fitted with a state-of-the-art tracking device, thanks to the support of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. These devices help us monitor their movements, behaviour and survival after release.Watching their progress gives us the insight we need to protect wild populations and keep Africa’s skies alive.See how we prepare every bird for life back in the wild in our behind-the-scenes video.Every view, like and share help make a difference.#VulPro #VulProConservation #SaveVultures #Vultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #SouthAfrica #EndangeredSpecies #ShamwariPrivateGameReserve
Hope returns - Wild Cape Vultures soaring in the Eastern Cape Vulpro 2025-11-12 | Wild Cape Vultures are soaring above the Vulpro facility at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. A powerful sign of hope for nature.Join our cause and help these remarkable birds soar. Find out how at www.vulpro.com#Vulpro #VulproConservation #SaveVultures #Vultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #SouthAfrica #EndangeredSpecies
The non-releasable heroes raising the next generation of wild vultures - Vulpro Vulpro 2025-11-08 | Our non-releasable vultures are the heroes of Vulpro’s captive breeding programme. They may never fly again, but through their care they raise strong chicks ready for the wild.Each chick is a symbol of hope and every parent a reminder of steadfast devotion and love.#VulPro #VulProConservation #SaveVultures #Vultures #VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #SouthAfrica #endangeredspecies #ShamwariPrivateGameReserve
Back in the Sky: Vultures Released After Successful Recovery - Vulpro Vulpro 2025-11-06 | Two juveniles, injured after collisions with power lines, and an adult, found poisoned, dehydrated and emaciated, were rescued by our team in the Eastern Cape. Each bird received treatment, constant care and rehabilitation until they were strong enough and ready to be released.Watching them take flight again is a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Every bird saved and every release helps strengthen wild populations, safeguard ecosystems and keep Africa's skies alive.These vultures are more than wildlife they are nature's clean-up crew, essential for healthy landscapes and communities.A sincere thank you to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Defender and Tusk for supporting us in giving these birds a second chance at life.#VulPro #VulProConservation #SaveVultures #Vultures#VultureAwareness #BirdsOfPrey #SouthAfrica#endangeredspecies #RewriteTheStory
Translocation of vultures to Shamwari in the Eastern Cape - Phase 2 - Vulpro Vulpro 2024-11-21 | Translocation of vultures from to Vulpro at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape
Egyptian Vultures land at Vulpro at Shamwari Vulpro 2024-10-01 | After 17 years, our first pair of Egyptian vultures have landed in VulPro's care. We hope to re-establish this species back into SA but we have a long road ahead of us.
Cape Vulture Hatching - Vulpro at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve Vulpro 2024-10-01 | This isn't just a hatching—it's a massive milestone for African vulture conservation!We take you behind the scenes at Vulpro at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve breeding facility to witness a Cape Vulture chick breaking free of its shell. This chick is a successful captive hatch of its species at this critical new location in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is classified as Vulnerable, and its population has declined severely. The partnership between VulPro and Shamwari is spearheading population restocking and supplementation, providing a safe, well-balanced ecosystem for this vital work.
163 vulture translocated to VulPro at the Shamwari - Phase One - Vulpro Vulpro 2024-02-08 | 163 vulture translocated to Vulpro at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape
Vultures on the move - Vulpro Vulpro 2024-01-23 | Translocation of 163 African vultures from VulPro Hartbeespoort to VulPro at Shamwari
Africa’s largest vulture relocation marks a conservation milestone Vulpro 2024-01-23 | The first phase of a project to secure the future of wild vulture populations in southern Africa has been successfully completed with 160 Cape and African White-backed vultures settled into their new home at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.The birds are the vanguard of a two-year project to establish a breeding facility, VulPro at Shamwari, for sick or injured vultures which have been rehabilitated and are able to breed, but are non-releasable. In what is the largest relocation of vultures ever undertaken, the birds were transported the 1 042km from VulPro’s facility in Hartbeespoort to bespoke enclosures at Shamwari.The move involved over 50 people and took 18 hours, with all 160 birds loaded in just three hours. Logistics company DHL provided transport and security, while WeWild Africa, an NGO specialising in animal rewilding and translocation, loaded the birds and funded the 160 transport crates. Prof Katja Koeppel from the University of Pretoria’s faculty of veterinary sciences managed the welfare of the birds, supported by Dr Johan Joubert from Shamwari. A second phase, later this year, will see the relocation of breeding pairs of non-releasable Lappet-faced, White-headed and Hooded Vultures and some additional White-backed Vultures. The Cape Vulture offspring will be released at Shamwari in keeping with its ethos of restoring the indigenous fauna and flora on the 250km2 reserve to what it once was. All these birds will be fitted with tracking devices. Offspring from the other species will be transported back to VulPro’s Hartbeespoort facility where they will be sent to release sites that the National Vulture Breeding Steering Committee has identified as areas where these species need bolstering and support.Kerri Wolter, VulPro CEO, says the bespoke breeding facility at Shamwari, will provide a significant boost to vulture conservation efforts in southern Africa and on the continent. “VulPro at Shamwari offers a safe, well-balanced ecosystem for both our in-situ and ex-situ conservation programmes and provides financial support and sustainability. Importantly it limits risk because the largest captive breeding population of vultures isn’t concentrated in one location. In addition, Shamwari’s anti-poaching unit provides good security.” VulPro is the only vulture conservation organisation of its kind on the continent and is spearheading population restocking and supplementation to address the severe decline of African vulture species. Human encroachment has particularly impacted African savanna raptors, with a recently published study in Nature Ecology & Evolution by Dr Phil Shaw et al showing evidence of widespread population collapse. According to the study, raptors, including vultures, are slow-breeding apex predators and scavengers whose disappearance can trigger extreme cascading events. Large raptors experience significantly steeper declines than smaller species. “Many of Africa’s raptors are at considerable risk from habitat conversion, prey-base depletion and persecution, driven principally by human population expansion,” says the study.The many threats they face include shooting, trapping, intentional and unintentional poisoning, killing for food or belief-based uses, electrocution and collision with infrastructure such as wind turbines. The study also found that species in unprotected areas faced declines that were more than double than that of birds in protected areas. For this reason the researchers strongly supported the expansion of conservation areas.All five of the vulture species named in the study, including the White-backed, White-headed and Hooded Vultures are considered critically endangered, with the exception of the Lappet-faced Vulture which is endangered. VulPro at Shamwari comprises three enclosures. One accommodates badly injured birds that require constant attention and is off public view near the veterinary hospital. A second, adjacent to the existing Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, includes an artificial cliff to provide optimal conditions for breeding pairs of Cape Vultures. The third is a pre-release enclosure, built on high ground near the centre of the reserve, from where healthy, young Cape Vultures will be released. Further enclosures will be added over the next three years. Joe Cloete, Shamwari CEO, considers the establishment of these enclosures a major milestone in the reserve’s 32-year history. “To put it in perspective, in conservation terms I consider this as significant as relocating 160 rhino. Vultures are vital for a healthy ecosystem and are severely threatened. I cannot overstate how reintroducing Cape Vultures to Shamwari is crucial to our conservation journey and enhancing the ecological importance of the reserve and the Eastern Cape." For more information contact:Shamwari Private Game Reserve: Joe Cloete, CEO 042 203 1111, 082 327 0363, joe.cloete@shamwari.comVulPro: Kerri Wolter, CEO 082 808 5113, kerri@vulpro.com
African White-backed Vulture Release 4 Nov 2023 - Vulpro Vulpro 2023-11-08 | Release of RW32 African White-backed Vulture
Fitting tracking device to a Lappet-faced vulture nestling Vulpro 2023-10-02 | For the first time, VulPro had the opportunity to fit a tracking device to a Lappet-faced vulture nestling at his or her breeding site.
VID 20230912 WA0006 Vulpro 2023-09-12 | Second video showing the body of the bird being retrieved by the anti-poaching unit. Sadly, the bird had its head removed. Thank you to the team involved in finding the bird and apprehending the individual responsible for its death.
