A critically weakened Himalayan griffon vulture was rescued in Satkania, Chattogram, after collapsing from exhaustion. Forest officials say the endangered bird, missing a leg, likely suffered severe food shortage before being taken to Dulahazara Safari Park for treatment and possible release.
A migratory Himalayan griffon vulture was rescued by the Forest Department in Satkania, Chattogram, a city in southeastern Bangladesh, after the exhausted bird fell from the sky on Tuesday (9 December) night. The rescue took place around 10 p.m. in the North Kanchana area of the upazila.
According to local residents, the vulture suddenly dropped near a madrasa earlier in the afternoon. Students who found the injured bird alerted the Forest Department, and officials later retrieved it.
Forest officials said vultures have become nearly extinct in Bangladesh due to habitat loss and severe food shortages. The rescued bird belongs to the Himalayan griffon species, which typically descends from the mountains of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet during winter. The species measures about 95 to 125 centimeters in length, with wingspans ranging from 2.5 to 3.1 meters.
Chanchal Kumar, a beat officer at the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary, reported that the vulture had long been missing its right leg. Despite this disability, it had flown a long distance, balancing on its remaining leg. He added that the bird likely became severely weakened due to a lack of food, which caused it to collapse.
The vulture has been transferred to the wildlife hospital at Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox’s Bazar for treatment. Officials said it remains extremely weak, and if it recovers through proper care, it will eventually be released back into the wild.
