A Black Vulture Digs for Treats Hidden in an Egg Carton During Species Specific Enrichment Exercise

Mathilda the Black Vulture Species Specific Enrichment

Jason Beale, Director of Live Animal Care at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center in Petersburg, Pennsylvania demonstrated an example of species specific enrichment with a wonderfully responsive, eager and very friendly black vulture named Mathilda. In order to keep her skills sharp, Beale placed pieces of meat into an empty egg carton, closed it up and encouraged Mathilda to dig for food with her extra long beak, as she would do in the wild. Mathilda, like the other raptors there, was brought to the center after being treated and rehabilitated injuries, making her unable to be returned to the wild.

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Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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