The first Saturday of September each year is observed as International Vulture Awareness Day. The purpose of this day is to create awareness of the continued plight of all vulture species and to highlight the work being done  conserve these magnificent birds.

This year International Vulture Awareness Day will take place on 3 September 2011 and is dedicated to the splendour of vultures across the globe and the critically important services they provide in our environment.

The Endangered Wildlife Trust in collaboration with the Vulture Programme of the Rhino & Lion Wildlife Conservation NPO and BirdLife South Africa will be hosting a fun-filled family day at the Vulture Programme’s rehabilitation centre near Hartbeespoort Dam. The purpose of this day is to create awareness of the continued plight of all vulture species and to highlight the work done by conservationists to monitor populations and implement effective measures to conserve these birds and their habitats.

Download the programme of events here

For more information about International Vulture Awareness Day, visit their website