05/19/2026
Welcome our new ambassador animal Earl the turkey vulture!
Earl is a first year turkey vulture that was found lingering near humans in Howell, Michigan. He spent a week roosting nearby and following them as they worked. This behavior is not commonly found in wild turkey vultures. Often they are wary of humans and are mostly spotted soaring high above. This cautious behavior keeps them and humans safe.
This friendly behavior is a tell tale sign of imprinting. Baby vultures imprint on their mother giving them the necessary skills for survival and mating preferences later in life. Earl is thought to of been raised and fed by humans as a chick due to his behavior and feather growth. This is an all too common case of someone who thought they were doing the right thing by caring for a young bird but causing more damage in the long run.
Thankfully his finders did the right thing and called the Raptor Center of Southeast Michigan. There, they were able to give Earl the care and socialization he needed in a safe environment.
We are so grateful to take on Earl and his wonderful personality. Earl is a curious and friendly bird that will often come up to take a closer look at humans visiting him.
Vultures are a commonly misunderstood animal and we hope that Earl will inspire the public to care for these intelligent and social creatures.
