Second vulture flies the coop at bird show in UAE

[Donna]

Dubai: With Romeo, a fully-grown male Ruppell's Griffon Vulture, still missing after he took to the skies from his perch last week, another vulture has followed suit and taken flight to the surprise of their handlers at the Birds of Prey Show in Al Khawaneej.

Tschotu, a nine-year-old female White-backed Vulture, disappeared on Thursday. As part of the show, all the birds fly freely to display their size and grace, but rarely fly away completely.

"In the last few days we have lost two friends. It is very sad. But as these are wild animals, to make a show with them, they have to fly free. Whether they come back is their own decision," said Sandra Stuckenbruck, a professional falconer and breeder.

"We don't know but we think the change of weather could be the reason. The wind has changed in the last few days and vultures like wind because they can fly very high. It is also the migrating season for Griffon Vultures so perhaps they decided to go back to the wild," she said.

Tschotu weighs about seven kilos and her wingspan is about 2.3 metres.

Like Romeo she is micro-chipped, making her very easy to identify.

"Maybe somebody will spot her. You can see them very well in the air, but if they are sitting in a tree or in bushes they have a good camouflage," said Stuckenbruck.

"We thought we saw Romeo circling above us at a very great height. We thought she might attract him but instead of him coming home, Tschotu flew away as well. She was born in the wild so surviving is no problem for them," she added.

In the past falcons that have flown away were identified thanks to their chip and returned to the show.

If spotted

If you think you have spotted Romeo or Tschotu please call Sandra Stuckenbruck from the Birds of Prey Show Dubai on 050 289 1863 immediately. Vultures are very intelligent, so do not mistreat or try to catch or touch them.