Do you think you know about vultures? Think about it again. The Cape Vulture is one of South Africa's most adoring and endangered giants. These feather powers are extremely important to ecosystems, but many people surprisingly know little about them. Luckily, Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve offers one of the best places in the country to see these spectacular birds working, thanks to a unique vulture cafe and secluded skin where birds gather after predator feeding for a dramatic indication of natural behavior.
“The Cape Vultures are absolutely fascinating if you can learn about them,” says Didi Maro, field ranger for the Boxgo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. “They are misunderstood and underrated, but you're watching them in the wild, especially during the feeding frenzy, but your perspective changes completely.”
There are 5 great wild facts about the Cape Vulture. The reason you can get a glimpse of them in the vulture cafe is that it should be on the bucket list of all wildlife enthusiasts.
They can soar higher than jets
Cape Vulture is a professional heat rider that lifts to extremely highly easily using warm airflow rises. These birds are recorded flying at over 7,000 meters, higher than most commercial planes fly. From this vantage point they can find corpses from kilometres away, demonstrating how perfectly they are on their wings.
They are unpopular heroes of nature
Often mistaken for fear or offensive, vultures are one of the most important members of the Animal Kingdom. Their highly acidic stomach allows for the safe consumption of rotten meat, filled with dangerous bacteria such as charcoal thr bacteria, rabies, and botulinum. By clearing up ruins of the dead, vultures help to stop spreading diseases and balance the ecosystem.
They are huge (and heavy!)
These birds are just not big. They are huge. Once the wingspan reaches a maximum of 2.6 meters, they glide with ease. It weighs between 7-11 kilograms and is the largest vulture in South Africa.
They are surprisingly social and smart
Cape vultures not only live in the herds, but also thrive among them. These birds often nest, roost, and feed hundreds. They rely on each other to find food sources and warn the group with distinctive flight patterns. Watching them gather at vulture cafes after feeding predators is like witnessing natural drama filled with complex interactions, conflicts and strategic movements as they compete for access to food.
They are extremely at risk – and need our help
Despite their strength and intelligence, the Cape Vultures are in danger. They face major threats including habitat loss, accidental poisoning, conflicts with power lines and lack of safe nesting sites. Their populations are decreasing rapidly, and they are putting them on the IUCN Red List as endangered species. Places like Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve not only provide sanctuaries, but also raise critical awareness of species through immersive education and ecotourism experiences.
See these majestic creatures up close at Vulture Cafe
Located just 45 minutes from Johannesburg, the Box Gossay & Lion Nature Reserve features one of South Africa's most protected secrets, Vagerta Café. Placed near the secluded skin, visitors can enjoy their meals as they watch dozens of vultures descend from the sky and feed after a predator enclosure is fed. Predator feeding in the park takes place every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays at 1pm.
“To see the land of Cape Vultures just a few metres from you is something you will never forget,” adds Diddy. “It's wild, authentic, incredibly special. I'm proud to give people the opportunity to experience it safely and ethically.”
To witness these majestic birds working, visit www.rhinolion.co.za to hide opening hours, predator feeding schedules, and access information.
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