The photo on our zoo Home page is of Gloria, and right here is Vulton, our two turkey vultures. Popcorn Park has its share of magnificent and majestic animals, but we've yet to hear this pair be described in those terms. In fact, many people see them as ugly. We disagree, and believe that beauty is only skin deep. In fact .. we think they're kinda cute!
Gloria and Vulton both came to us from the Florida Marine Conservancy over two decades ago. Both had been injured and could no longer fly, but FMC wanted to see if they might find a permanent home for the two together. Popcorn Park Zoo built them their own special spot with a house and climbing opportunities so they could get exercise without flying.
Despite being viewed by some as less attractive than other American birds, turkey vultures, and their relatives out west, black vultures, fill a vital ecological niche. They feed on carrion, and are therefore the cleansers of the environment, ridding the land of the carcasses of animals. Gloria and Vulton don't eat carrion here, but have a specialized diet suited just to them. If you agree with us, that they have their own special charm, why not sponsor them in the Wildlife Club program?