VulPro has worked to save vulture species since 2007 and is internationally recognized as leaders in the field of vulture conservation. Through their adaptive management and multifaceted approach, encompassing in-situ and ex-situ conservation practices, VulPro has spearheaded vulture conservation not only in South Africa, but Africa as a whole with global-positive implications being reached. One prime example was VulPro’s vital contribution in the research leading to the banning of diclofenac in Asia which was the lead cause resulting in the catastrophic Asian Vulture Crisis. Further to this, VulPro together with project partners spearheaded the research in proving the first only known safe NSAID drug available for the treatment and exposure to vultures, known as Meloxicam. VulPro has since grown in recognition for its world class rehabilitation efforts whereby over 1000 African vultures have come through the doors and 60% have been successfully released, with a 75% survival rate. Furthermore, VulPro started captive breeding for population restoration programs in 2015 and has become the leaders in the captive breeding of African vultures with releasing over 70 Cape vultures into the wild and a further handful of African white-backed vultures, a first for the species. VulPro continues to grow its breeding efforts and has now added a total of 5 African vulture species to its breeding program, many still in their infancy but in time, successes will be reached. 

The strong similarities between VulPro and WBS make this partnership a perfect fit, as together, with equal dedication and commitment to the cause, we have a fighting chance in preventing the extinction of African vulture species. VulPro CEO Kerri Wolter and World Bird Sanctuary CEO Dawn Griffard are excited and hopeful about what this new partnership will mean for a brighter future for Africa’s vultures.