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King Vulture

Sarcoramphus papa

Geographic Region: canopy trees of Mexico and Argentina

Isn’t it Wild? King vultures have the most powerful beak of all the American vultures and can open carcasses that other vultures can’t.

king vulture

Details

Size

Height: 27 – 32 in.

Weight: 6 – 10 lbs.

Zoo Diet

Nebraska Premium Feline diet, mice, rats, capelin

Conservation Status

Least Concern

World of Adaptations

Exhibit information

Come explore a World of Adaptations! Animals face numerous challenges in the natural world such as finding shelter and enough food, avoiding predators, and finding mates. However, they have developed adaptations that increase their chances of survival. Adaptations can be physical; the tail of the wallaby helps it balance and change direction as it hops. Adaptations can also be behavioral; gibbons vocalize in the morning to announce their presence to other animals in the area. They can also be a combination of things such as a Komodo dragon’s impressive teeth, sharp claws, and deadly venom. Come and explore a World of Adaptations and see and hear the adaptations of these fascinating creatures including Elsie, the only Komodo dragon at any zoo in New England.

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