Black Vulture
Coragyps atratusGeographic Region: Widespread across the southern U.S. (especially in the east), Mexico, Central America, and much of South America
Isn’t it Wild? Special enzymes in vultures’ digestive systems neutralize toxins and kill pathogens, allowing them to eat rotting meat without getting sick.
Length: 2‑2.5 ft
Wingspan: About 5 ft
Nebraska Premium Feline diet, mice, rats, capelin
Least Concern
Marco Polo's Adventure Trek
Exhibit information
Follow Marco Polo's wild journey! Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo, the famous explorer, and see some of the animals that he may have encountered as he traveled through the extreme environments of the desert and high mountains. Get a glimpse one of our moon bears climbing or playing in the pool. See the beautiful red pandas and impressive takin. Can you find the secretive snow leopard? Look carefully—they blend in perfectly with their surroundings! If you come in winter, you might just be able to watch our red crowned cranes perform their intricate courtship dance. Can you figure out each of these animal’s adaptations that allow them to survive in such extreme environments?
