Two vultures released in 2024 have enjoyed their freedom by spreading their wings and embarking on exciting travels to wherever their wings took them. But, in a wholesome, full-circle moment, the birds came back to visit the place they were set free.
Gqeberha, South Africa (14 March 2025) — When animals are released (following either rescue and rehabilitation or other reasons) and set free to explore the world via their own flippers or wings, it’s an exciting moment for all who worked tirelessly to help them get to this place.
Thanks to tracking technology, the conservationists who helped make the freedom happen are able to see where the animals’ adventures take them.
Sometimes, the animals rival global jet-setters with how far they travel. Bheni, the green turtle, for one, has collected more ‘passport stamps’ than most people. Other times, the animals stay closer to home. And sometimes, they come back to the place where they first tasted freedom, as was the case for two vultures recently!
Vulture conservation organisation VulPro (the only one of its kind) recently shared the significant homecoming of Purple White 48 and 47.
These birds were born at Vulpro’s breeding centre in Hartebeesport in 2023 as part of an effort to bolster the wild population and were later relocated (along with 163 other vultures) to the Eastern Cape.
In May 2024, they were released at Shamwari Game Reserve, where the skies became theirs to explore—and explore they did.
The birds were tracked at multiple points: Makhanda, Komani, Mthatha, and even on a little trek close to Lesotho. Purple white 47 also took on a lengthy trip all the way to Richards Bay before saying howzit to the Free State!
But, after some touring, the birds decided to come back to Shamwari—a full-circle moment of freedom.
“Their return to Shamwari is a huge win for vulture conservation and a hopeful sign for the Eastern Cape’s vulture population, furthering our commitment to protecting these incredible birds and their habitats”, shared VulPro.
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Meanwhile, in other happy vulture news, for the first time in over 30 years, wild Cape Vultures have returned to the Eastern Cape – soaring over Spitskop, Cradock in a sighting that has stunned conservationists and reignited hope for the species’ survival. Read more here.
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