Hosapete: Rescued Eurasian vulture released into the wild

Team Udayavani, Jan 12, 2023, 7:23 PM IST

Hosapete: A rare Eurasian vulture, which was found by school children in Ranipet in the city last month, has been released into the wild.

In December last year, journalist and hobby photographer Shivshankar Banagar rescued the Eurasian griffon vulture species from the hands of children and handed it over to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Zoological Park at Kamalapura in the taluk.

Dr Vani, a veterinary doctor at the zoo, had treated the bird which was found to be in a critical condition. After the medical treatment, the vulture regained its health.

After the go-ahead from the vet, bird lovers freed the recovered bird on the top of a hill in Ingaligi village in the taluk. The vulture flew over the hills for some time before flying away towards the north.

Wildlife researcher Dr. Samad Kottur consulted national vulture experts to identify the rarely-seen vulture. They examined the height, size, weight, feather color, etc., of the giant bird and confirmed that it was a year-old Eurasian griffon vulture.

The Eurasian griffon vulture is commonly found in North India. While migrating, these vultures, sometimes fall to the ground due to dehydration. Such cases have been reported from parts of Kerala, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. After treatment, these vultures recover and can take flight, Dr. Samad said.

The rescued vulture was fitted with a blue ring with the letters ‘CU’ inscribed on it. This ring helps in easily identifying the rescued vulture if the winged bird ever visits Hosapete, Dr Samad added.