Riverbanks Zoo Participates in Vulture Awareness Day

Visitors at Riverbanks Zoo on Saturday can measure up to the giant wingspan of a vulture, dissect a fake carcass and act out what it's like to be a vulture. 

The zoo is participating in International Vulture Awareness Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. visitors can participate in interactive and educational activities highlighting vulture awareness and conservation.

Other activities include Riverbanks’ Wings of the South bird show at 1:30 p.m., followed by a keeper-guided feeding and "vulture walk" to various bird exhibits throughout the zoo.

There will also be several up-close animal encounters throughout the day.

Riverbanks Zoo is one of more than 90 organizations participating in Vulture Awareness Day. 

Vultures face many threats in their natural habitats, and some species are in danger of becoming extinct, according to the International Vulture Awareness Day website. The special day is a coordinated effort between the Birds of Prey Programme in South Africa and the Hawk Conservancy Trust in England.