RUPPELL’S VULTURE Gyps ruepellii ©Laura Quick Vultures often sit and spread their wings in one spot for hours to sunbathe, surprisingly. The sun helps vultures keep their feathers healthy by causing parasites to converge in areas where birds can more easily get rid of them. On especially chilly days, sunbathing can also help with warming up. Rüppell’s Vulture is a large vulture that occurs throughout the Sahel region (just south of the equator) of central Africa. The current population of 30,000 is in decline due to ongoing loss of habitat and other pressures. #Ruppellsvulture #vulture #gypsruepellii #©lauraquick #santabarbarazoo #sahelregion #africa #bird #animal #criticallyendangered #eduardruppell #highestflyingbird #sbzoo #santabarbarazoo https://www.instagram.com/p/B45oJDCHngx/?igshid=1u46yj2rfrcj4