Some areas of the Zoo are CLOSED to allow us to prepare for our Halloween events. ... read more
Until 3rd November, there will be restricted access at Bears of the Rising Sun (lower viewing) and our Elephant Bushwalk will be closed.
From 14th October 2024, our Woodland Hollow will be closed.
Located next to our Kingdom of the Wild habitat, Vulture Valley is home to two species of critically endangered vultures, the African white-backed vulture and the Rüppell’s griffon vulture. These birds can be seen in their large aviary with viewing only available on one side.
Vultures are often unfairly misrepresented in movies and on TV and are considered ugly however, they are critical to habitats, feasting on carrion which removes the risk of disease and parasites.
Located behind Vulture Valley is Wilderness Walk which also connects to Kingdom of the Wild, African Plateau and Edge of Africa.
Griffon vultures fly around
35km/hr
on average
Griffon vultures stand
90cm
tall on average
White-backed vulture wingspan is
2m
wide on average
White-backed vulture wingspan live
19
years on average
Animals in Vulture Valley
African white-backed Vulture
Gyps africanus
From: Sahel region of Africa to South Africa
Status: Critically Endangered
Quick Fact: Hundreds of African white-backed vultures gather to feed. They gorge themselves so much they cannot fly and then rest with wings spread and their backs facing the sun.
Find me in: Vulture Valley
Birds
Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture
Gyps rueppellii
From: Sub-saharan Africa
Status: Critically Endangered
Quick Fact: Rüppell’s Griffon vultures can consume more than 3 pounds of meat in under five minutes.
Find me in: Vulture Valley
Birds
Adopt an animal at Colchester Zoo
You will be helping to fund our work, as well as our charity, Colchester Zoological Society, which assists conservation projects all over the world!
