Vega, a black vulture, arrived at the zoo after being rescued from illegal poachers. She had a damaged wing that prevented her from returning to the wild, but she became an ambassador for her species at the zoo. Vega’s intelligence amazed zookeepers, as she quickly learned to recognize her caretakers and respond to enrichment puzzles. Her favorite activity involved using her powerful beak to open containers filled with treats. Vega’s story was featured in a conservation exhibit, highlighting the role of vultures in ecosystems as nature’s clean-up crew. Visitors marveled at her keen eyesight and majestic presence, leaving with a newfound appreciation for these often-misunderstood birds.