Historic bird dies at Idaho Falls Zoo
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IDAHO FALLS – One of the oldest known turkey vultures in captivity died Friday at the Idaho Falls Tautphaus Park Zoo.
The 42-year-old female bird was the zoo’s oldest avian resident. She came to Idaho Falls in 1995 and, over the years, produced three offspring that were relocated to homes at other zoos.
Zoo records indicate she was brought to the Potawatomi Zoo in 1975 as a wild-born bird that sustained an injury which precluded her from returning to the wild.
She could most often be seen during the daytime perched at the entry to her heated barn while her partner perched higher up in the exhibit. She was among the oldest known turkey vultures in captivity.
Wild turkey vultures are estimated to live 15-20 years and an average of 30 years in captivity.