A mature Rüppell's vulture (Gyps rueppelli) perched on a dead tree in the Serengeti National Park. (Special thanks to Ken Gawne for his assistance with this photo!).
A Lone Sentry
A couple of weeks ago, I shared a shot of two vultures near a kill. Today, I wanted to show you a different perspective: a lone sentry perched on a dead tree in the Serengeti.
This is a mature Rüppell's vulture (Gyps rueppelli), and “huge” is an understatement. These birds are absolute giants of the sky, boasting a wingspan of up to 8 feet and a lifespan that can reach 50 years. Remarkably, they also hold the record for the highest-flying bird ever recorded, capable of soaring at altitudes over 37,000 feet!
A Critically Endangered Icon
I know a vulture isn't exactly “cuddly,” but they are the essential cleanup crew of the African savanna. Without them, the ecosystem would struggle to manage disease and decay. Unfortunately, the Rüppell's griffon vulture is currently listed as critically endangered. Habitat loss and poisoning have devastated their numbers, and they desperately need our help and advocacy to survive.
Protect the Serengeti with Us
Seeing these massive birds catch a thermal and disappear into the clouds is a sight you never forget. We believe that to see them is to value them. Join us on safari in 2026 or 2027 and help support the conservation of the Serengeti’s most vital species. Knowledge is power.
Learn more about conservation efforts at the website of the Vulture Conservation Foundation.
For more on this majestic bird see our blog: The High-flying Rüppell's Vulture.