The Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, located in northeast Thailand, has taken on a noble mission to boost the population of the red-headed vulture, an endangered species that is extinct in the wild in Thailand and significantly depleted globally. In an effort to achieve this goal, the zoo is ensuring that hatchlings bred in captivity do not imprint on humans, to ensure they are better prepared for eventual release into the wild.
Once an important player in the ecosystem, the red-headed vulture used to feed on animal carcasses as a scavenger. However, due to hunting and changes to its habitat, the species is now in critical danger of extinction. After nearly two decades of concerted efforts to revive the red-headed vulture population, the zoo is finally seeing some success, with another egg currently being incubated by the parents under conservation.
Zoo Director, Thanachon Kensingh, recognizes that the most crucial aspect of their success would be to enhance the ecosystem of the UNESCO heritage site, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, which was once home to the largest community of Asian king vultures. The conservation team hopes to create a large enough population of red-headed vultures to enable eventual release into the wild.
“We would like to see the Asian king vulture soar once again through the skies of Thailand,” added Kensingh, highlighting the zoo’s broader mission to revive Thailand’s native species and preserve the natural habitats of the region.
