Rescued Vultures Soar Again After Poisoning Crisis

Photo Credit: Karen Alchin from Pexels

As we reach the peak of winter, rehabilitated vultures rejoined their mates and rebuild their place in the ecosystem.

South Africa (25 July 2025) – In the heart of winter, when vultures are known to pair off and prepare for breeding, a powerful comeback story is unfolding. A few weeks ago, a major poisoning event threatened to wipe out vultures in the Kruger National Park, a tragic yet all too common crisis in Africa’s wild landscapes. But thanks to a rapid response triggered by the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) wildlife tracking and early warning surveillance system, hope was not lost.

The incident, flagged in real time by EWT’s system, enabled teams to reach the scene quickly. While many birds had already succumbed, 84 vultures were found alive. Sadly, one died en route to care, but today, more than 40 have recovered and have been released back into the wild.

Some of the birds are fitted with high-resolution GPS trackers, and since their release, they have been closely monitored. Many of the adult vultures have already reunited with their partners and are back to nest building, ready for the breeding season.

This is a strong reminder of how critical quick action can be in saving not only individual animals but also preserving diminishing populations.

This effort is part of a wider network of conservation work under the EWT’s Strategic Conservation Landscapes, nine priority areas across east and southern Africa. These landscapes are carefully chosen using biodiversity data, spanning protected areas and critical water sources.

By embedding conservation principles in farming, mining, urban planning and beyond, the EWT and its partners are proving that biodiversity can thrive when it is part of everyday decisions. With healthier ecosystems come cleaner water, food security, and climate resilience.