Flying with Vultures- Path into the Future

Ever wonder what it would be like to soar up high with the birds in the sky and experience the freedom they have in the wind and clouds? So did vulture conservationist, Kerri Wolter, and paraglider, Walter Neser. They experienced sights that were truly life-changing when they flew with the rare Cape griffon vultures in South Africa. Enjoy this inspiring video clip of their adventure!



Griffon vultures are the highest-flying birds in the world. In 1975, a Ruppell’s griffon vulture was recorded flying at 37,900 feet above Africa! That’s more than a mile and a half higher than the summit of Mt. Everest! Cape griffon vultures are impressive fliers as well, having wingspans of 8 feet.

Cape griffon vultures are among the world’s most threatened vulture species. There are less than 2,900 breeding pairs left in southern Africa. They are declining in the wild due to collisions with powerlines, NSAID and organophosphate poisoning, and the use of vulture body parts in traditional medicine.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ) recognizes that vultures play a vital role in the health of an ecosystem by cleaning up animal remains and helping prevent the spread of disease. That is why African Vulture Conservation is one of the six Quarters for Conservation projects that guests can vote for when they visit the Zoo. Come see CMZ’s Cape griffon vultures up close at the Wings of Africa Bird Show in African Rift Valley at 1 p.m. daily through the summer! You can also take a glimpse of a vulture downtown on the Vladimir Jones building.



Vote for Vultures!!!