Bacardi – Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

“Bacardi” is a Turkey Vulture that we admitted as a first-year bird in August 2025. He came to us with healed fractures in the left wing (radius and ulna). Unfortunately, the wing had healed such that he could no longer fly. Grounded for an extended period, Bacardi was starving when he came into care. With a body condition score of only 1 out of a possible 5, we were uncertain if we could save him. With the wing injury, we knew he would never be release-able, but being such a young bird we hoped he could join our education team. Fortunately, Bacardi rallied and our veterinarian verified that his wing injury should not cause discomfort. He is now a valued, education team member teaching folks how wonderful vultures truly are.