- Admitted
- February 24, 2025
- Released
- March 21, 2025
- Rescue Location
- Orange County
- Cause of Admission/Condition
- Suspected vehicle collision
- Status
- Former Patient
Last Updated
On February 23, the Center admitted a Turkey Vulture that was found on the side of the road in Orange County, Virginia. The bird's rescuers reported that the vulture was grounded and easily captured, suspecting that it had been hit by a car.
At the Center, the veterinary team examined the vulture and discovered trauma to its digestive system, specifically affecting the esophagus and crop, which made it difficult for the vulture to eat and digest food properly. The bird was also quite thin, with a body condition score of 1.5/5.
To support the vulture's recovery, veterinary staff surgically debrided and sutured the wound on the vulture's crop and started the bird on pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. Additionally, they provided gavage feedings twice daily, using a specialized formula to ensure the bird received the necessary nutrition.
By mid-March, the Turkey Vulture showed significant improvement. The crop repair site healed without complications, and the bird was successfully transitioned back to its regular diet of organ and muscle meat. The team moved the vulture to the Center's A3 flight pen to begin daily flight exercises; in just one more week, the bird was ready for release back to the wild.
On March 21, the Turkey Vulture was returned to the wild in Orange County, Virginia, close to where it was originally found, giving the vulture a chance to soar once again.
