New zoo enclosure for 'nature's clean-up crew'

A zoo has unveiled a new enclosure for what it describes as some of the world's "most misunderstood" birds of prey.

The new structure at Hertfordshire Zoo, in Broxbourne, means the public can see an endangered Egyptian vulture, named Ramasees, for the very first time at the attraction.

It is also home to Belladonna, a Griffon vulture.

Tyler Whitnall, managing director of the zoo, said: "Vultures are the unsung heroes of our planet's ecosystems, acting as nature's clean-up crew to keep environments safe and disease-free."

The zoo said the aviary, the largest on site, had been designed to offer an "unparalleled" look at Ramasees and Belladonna, and change perceptions about these birds of prey.

Egyptian vultures can be found in parts of southern Spain and northern France.

The bird has featured in Egyptian hieroglyphs, and is one of the only birds of prey known to use tools when hunting.

In the past few decades, vulture populations have seen sharp declines in some places.

"Sadly, [vultures] suffer from a completely unfair reputation and face terrible persecution in the wild," Whitnall added.

"Our goal is to break those negative stereotypes and inspire our visitors to appreciate, respect, and help protect these magnificent birds."

The zoo said Ramasees' arrival represented a "monumental step forward" for their conservation and education programmes.

The vultures share their new home with a resident pair of black kites, who live alongside them just as they would in the wild.

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