The NSPCA Wildlife Protection Unit (WPU) received a complaint last month about an individual attempting to sell a Cape vulture on Facebook. The photographs accompanying the complaint were shocking, as the vulture was tied with a nylon rope to a steel bar.
With no information about the location of the seller or the vulture, the WPU was able to trace the location to Rouxville, Freestate, in South Africa. The WPU responded promptly, and with the assistance of the local South African Police Service, consulted with local residents to successfully obtain the address of the seller.
Upon arrival, the vulture was found in a steel cage, filled with dangerous objects. There was no provision of food or water. It is unknown how the seller handled the vulture, as the bird showed no signs of defending or escaping, which is a behavioral concern.
The seller purportedly caught the vulture on a nearby farm and wanted money for the wild animal. Thankfully, the WPU is in the process of compiling a docket to lay criminal charges against the seller.
The vulture was removed from the harsh conditions, taken for veterinary examination, and is currently with Vulpro, a NSPCA Accredited Facility.