[GRASSY KEY, FL] On Monday (1/23/23), Dolphin Research Center staff assisted in the rescue of about 60 waterlogged turkey vultures off the coast of Marathon. While conducting field research in a boat on the Gulf Side of Marathon, DRC staff came upon a turkey vulture struggling in the water. Turkey vultures do not swim, so staff took her on board and contacted Marathon Wild Bird Center to evaluate the bird. Dana Child, a volunteer at the Marathon Wild Bird Center, advised that when one vulture is located in the water, there are typically many more. returned to the same spot and over a time period of four hours, found and rescued 27 waterlogged vultures. Every few years, mass numbers of vultures have been found stranded in water. The reason isn’t clear but the birds sometimes suffer blunt force trauma from hitting the water, or are simply cold and waterlogged without the ability to lift themselves out of the water. These events may be caused by a strong downdraft pushing them into the water.
Knowing there may be a large number of birds in need of rescue, Dolphin Research Center staff along with Dana Child and Kirk Linaje, founder of the Marine Order for Research and Action through Environmental Stewardship (MORAES), returned to the location to search for more birds. The Dolphin Research Center boat spent the next four hours searching for and rescuing these birds. Eventually, 27 waterlogged turkey vultures were brought on the Dolphin Research Center boat. They were also joined by a Florida Wildlife Patrol boat and there were reports of local fishermen and boaters who rescued a number of birds.
UPDATE:
In total, about 60 birds were brought to Marathon Wild Bird Center. Over the following two days, the bird center successfully rehabilitated and released all of the surviving vultures from the event.
As carrion eaters, vultures are a critical part of the ecosystem. They remove pathogens and toxins from the environment, helping to keep the ecosystem disease free. Their digestive systems contain a very strong acid that destroys many of the harmful substances found in dead animals.
Founded in 1984, Dolphin Research Center is home to a family of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. Located at 58901 (mile marker 59) Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida, the center is open daily for the public to see narrated behavior sessions and educational presentations, and to participate in interactive programs. The nonprofit organization is funded by admission and program fees as well as by private donors and members. In addition to being a highly respected education and research facility, DRC is the Licensed Manatee Rescue Team for the Florida Keys and is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animal Trainers Association. For more information, visit www.dolphins.org.
