Tribute to Vlad
On May 21, 2026, we lost a dear friend who changed the lives of all those he met. We’re sad to announce the passing of Vladimir (“Vlad”) the Black Vulture. This charismatic bird has been with our team for 20 years, and during that time, he was an advocate for vultures across the world.
It’s not everyday that you meet someone who helps shift your entire perspective on the wonder of life. Vlad the Black Vulture was exactly that for so many people during his 20 years with us. His curious nature and charisma helped hundreds (if not thousands!) of people see the value of vultures.
Vlad was a Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus). The “court jester” of our animal ambassadors, he was known for his big personality and playful behavior. Although birds don’t have a human’s sense of humor, it seemed as if Vlad did with his pranks and mischief. For many years, people met this side of him during Venture with Vlad the Vulture. This 0.5-mile loop featured a walk with Vlad, all while learning about the amazing lives of his kind.**
Vultures are exceptionally intelligent birds who are inquisitive, engaging, and loyal. Many folks presume that they are abhorrent creatures or ill omens who feed on the dead. “A lot of people look at vultures in a disgusting, disease-ridden light. I don’t think there has ever been one person who met Vlad who wasn’t amazed by what vultures do for our ecosystem,” Wildlife Curator Taylor Berry reflected.
In the wild, these birds are obligate scavengers and feed on carrion (decaying animals). Vultures are basically nature’s sanitation crew! Their stomachs produce highly acidic environments that neutralize harmful bacteria and viruses. When they feed on carrion, vultures significantly reduce the spread of harmful diseases in wildlife, livestock, and human populations. Their feeding habits also prevent the natural decay of a deceased animal, which protects drinking water from contaminants!
“I don’t think there will ever be another vulture like him. He just holds a really really special place in my heart.”
For Lead Wildlife Technician Danielle Pope-White, Vlad was the first and only vulture that she’s ever worked with. “My favorite thing about him is that he was always waiting on that stump to greet me and get weighed in the mornings. I had such a special relationship with him. He would let me pet and feel on him, and Taylor and I were the only ones who could do that,” she explains. “I don’t think there will ever be another vulture like him. He just holds a really really special place in my heart.”
The level of trust and loyalty Vlad felt for his caretakers so apparent, but it didn’t start that way. Vlad was very distrustful of humans when he first arrived into our care in 2006 following a wing injury from car strike. He’d initially stay as far away as possible from people, which made it nearly impossible to gather health data. As a wildlife caretaker does, Taylor decided to work on Vlad’s confidence with training. Every day for a year, he sat with Vlad and offered food. Some people may assume being still for hours is a futile effort. However, for a nervous animal, a calm, consistent presence is often just what they need. Existing in the same space together creates “micro-moments” that build a strong bond and trust over time.
Slowly but surely, that bond was built. Vlad transformed into a courageous, charismatic individual. He even sought out human interaction! Safety and health checks expanded into public programming, which then became the fan-favorite walking program. At its height, Vlad would walk the loop with groups of 10 people! Many participants were amazed at his confidence and ability to follow along in the middle of the group, and his outgoing personality truly reflected the trust he had in his caretakers.
Vlad’s deep loyalty was tested in one of Taylor’s favorite stories. Taylor taught Vlad several different recalls, one being an emergency hand signal meaning “immediately return to your handler”. Before Vlad was ready for public walks, there was a training day where the duo came upon 10+ vultures feeding in Candy Flats. Vlad’s curiosity got the best of him, and he took off running toward the wake. “Literally, he ran around them like a puppy does with adult dogs,” Taylor laughed. When Vlad looked back at Taylor, he gave the sign, and Vlad beelined right back to him—sideways hops and all! As soon as he got back, Vlad understood that it was time to be with his handler now and continue training. Taylor knew then the level of trust this vulture had placed in him.
Vlad was an amazing individual and friend, and we’ll always remember his endearing spirit and shenanigans. We’ll miss you so much, buddy!
If you have a favorite memory or photos of Vlad to share, please consider reaching out to our Communicator Coordinator at allie@reflectionriding.org. We’d love to share in your memories!
**A few years ago, we retired Vlad from the Venture with Vlad the Vulture program due to growing arthritis in his feet. He spent his final years relaxing and spending time with his caretakers.
