In a historic breakthrough for wildlife conservation, Botswana has successfully rescued, treated, and released poisoned vultures for the first time.
The incident began on 13 October when a rapid response team led by Conservation of Natural Ecosystems Trust- CONNECT (a conservation and community development NGO), with the permission of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), responded within an hour to reports of a suspected wildlife poisoning. The operation was supported by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), DWNP Anti-Poaching Unit, The Xudumela Conservancy team, Dr. Rob Jackson, Dr. Caron Botes (Elephant Havens), Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS), Walk Botswana Safaris, and Helicopter Horizons.
At the scene, Xudumela Conservancy first responders discovered a dead hyena and ten dead white-backed vultures. A coordinated search effort by the greater team led to the recovery of seven white-backed vultures and one bateleur eagle still alive — marking the first time in Botswana that poisoned vultures have been successfully rescued, treated, and released.
The rescued birds were initially stabilized and cared for by Dr. Rob Jackson, Dr. Caron Botes, and MAWS before being transferred to Dr. Jackson’s aviary in Maun for continued rehabilitation. The following day, search efforts were continued by the Xudumela Conservancy team, with additional aerial support from Bushways Foundation.
After 10 days of recovery, on 23 October 2025, the DWNP, Dr. Jackson, and the CONNECT team successfully released all 7 vultures back into the wild—fully recovered and fit for flight.
CONNECT, Raptors Botswana and The Endangered Wildlife Trust have had a strong collaborative partnership to support raptors throughout the country for a number of years.
This landmark rescue and release highlights Botswana’s growing capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to wildlife poisoning, one of the gravest threats facing Africa’s endangered vultures. These initiatives are only possible through teamwork and collaboration between the Government of Botswana and multiple private entities.
