Did you know that there are two reasons to celebrate this Labor Day weekend? In addition to your regular cookouts and parties with friends and family, take time to be thankful for one of nature’s most under-appreciated but critically important birds, the vulture. This weekend marks the annual world-wide celebration of International Vulture Awareness Day, which aims to create awareness of the plight of all vulture species and to highlight the work done by researchers who monitor populations and implement measures to conserve vultures and their habitats.
Although many consider them to be ugly, vultures play an important role in keeping our eco-systems free of disease and pests. Unfortunately, vulture populations around the world have declined by 80% or more in some regions due to environmental contaminants, poisoning, and shooting. The Peregrine Fund works extensively to protect vulture species in Asia, Africa, and South America, and even breeds the endangered California Condor here in Boise, Idaho!
You’re invited to join the celebration of these bald and beautiful birds on Saturday, September 5 from 10 am – 5 pm. Meet the most common vulture, the Turkey Vulture, and the rarest, the critically endangered California Condor while participating in fun activities and learning about vultures around the globe!
International Vulture Awareness Day Activities will include:
- 12:30 am -2 pm – Showing of The Condor’s Shadow – A film that profiles the ongoing challenge of bringing the iconic California Condor back from the brink of extinction
- Coloring contest from 10 am - 3 pm – prizes awarded at 3:30 pm (2 age groups)
- Bird Presentations throughout the day (10:30 am, noon, 2 pm, 3:30 pm)
- Archives of Falconry Tours (11 am and 2:30 pm)
- Limited edition Vultures of the World poster available in our Gift Shop
For more information, contact:
Erin Katzner
Director of Global Engagement
Main Phone: 208-362-3716
Direct Phone: 208-362-8277
The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of prey is open Tuesday-Sunday 10 am -5 pm, with last admission at 4:15 pm. Members Free, Adults $7.00, Seniors $6.00 (62 and up), Youth $5.00 (4-16)