An Egyptian in Boston...

Meet Osiris, our Egyptian Vulture. Osiris was named for the Egyptian god of death and rebirth. Egyptian vultures are the first known protected species in human history. The ancient Egyptians venerated these beautiful birds and made it a crime to kill them.

In the wild, this small vulture can't compete with most other vultures at a carcass. They get a quick bite by being first to arrive at a carcass, but then other birds get most of the meat. Instead they often raid breeding colonies to steal chicks and eggs. They can carry eggs in their beaks and then use rocks to break them open. They are native to most of Africa and southern Europe.


As you can see in these photos, Osiris has perfected the egg-breaking craft of her species and can be seen in action this summer in our programs at the Stone Zoo in Boston. If you are in the area, come on by and see this amazing bird!