Wonder the Turkey Vulture

Wonder is one of our ambassador Turkey Vultures. Wonder has a pigment disorder that causes his unusually pale plumage. The lack of of a protein called melanin in his feathers, does not allow him to soar for long periods which is a natural behavior for his species. Wonder came to us from the Wings of Wonder rehabilitation center in Michigan in 2012. Wonder was found in a field, freezing and starving in the middle of Winter. He lost two of his digits, or toes, due to frostbite as a result. Turkey Vultures are year-long residents in Ventura County where the Center is located and West of the Sierra Mountain range, but just East of the Sierra these large birds are long distance migrants, some traveling as far South as Ecuador.

As scavengers Turkey Vultures are critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems. They help prevent the spread of disease by clearing the environment of carcasses. The latin name for Turkey Vulture; Cathartes Aura means the golden purifier.

You can meet Wonder by booking one of our Zoom programs.