Bailey
Turkey Vulture Ambassador
Male
1987 / Adult
Imprinted
About Bailey
Bailey was hatched at the Phoenix Zoo in 1986. He quickly learned that food would be provided by the zookeepers rather than his parents and followed the food handlers. As a result, Bailey became imprinted. Since the Zoo already had Bailey’s parents, the administrators sought to place Bailey. Dr. Orr, founder of Liberty Wildlife and one of the Zoo’s veterinarians, agreed to place Bailey at Liberty. He is one of the oldest education birds and one of the final birds that handlers will learn to handle.
Description
Turkey vultures range as far north as the southern boundary of Canada and south into Central America and South America.
Life Span
The average life expectancy of the turkey vulture has been estimated to be from anywhere from 10 to 16 years in the wild. A captive life span of over 30+ years is possible. (Bailey was hatched in 1986.)
Prey / Food
An aerial scavenger, the Turkey Vulture feeds on a wide range of wild and domestic carrion. Dead mammals ranging from mice to cattle are common foods. When carrion is in short supply, the Turkey Vulture has been observed eating plants including rotten pumpkins and coconuts, grapes, and juniper berries.
Babies / Nests
No nest is built. Nesting sites include rock outcrops, fallen trees, cliffs, and hollow logs. Usually, 1 – 3 eggs are laid which hatch in 30 to 40 days. The young fledge in about 70 to 80 days.
Native American Folklore
Vulture, spirit animal, is known for his incredible stamina and energy. He can soar high into the sky on warm thermals for days searching for food.
In Native cultures Vulture has long been associated with the concept of death and rebirth. They are seen as powerful symbols of transformation. Vulture’s scavenging behavior is considered cleansing and healing, as they help to maintain a healthy balance of our natural world. Vulture reminds us that even in the face of death, there is always the potential for renewal and growth.
Vulture is a healer. Navajo Hatalii (traditional healers) use the beak of a vulture in a healing ceremony in which they place the beak in one hand and move it over the patient in a pecking motion, mimicking a feeding vulture. Vulture is known for removing foulness and disease from the earth when he feeds on dead animals (carcasses). Utilizing this trait/belief the Hatalii uses the Vulture beak to remove illness, disease and bad spirits from his patient, thus restoring harmony to his/her world.
Navajo sand paintings are created for healing purposes. Many of them contain images of Yeibichai (the Holy People). While creating a sand painting, the Hatalii will chant, asking the Yeibichai to come into the painting and help heal the patient. A Vulture beak is used to trace images in the process of creating the sand paintings used in healing ceremonies by Hatalii, thus cleansing the painting of any bad spirits before the ceremony begins.
This Seneca story warns of the dangers of vanity. Vulture is sent to give a message to the creator and gets so excited he forgets to be humble. The creator gives him first pick of all the bird garments but keeps tossing the outfits to other birds claiming they are not right for him. Finally, the only outfit left is an ill-fitting black suit.
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