Maun, Botswana — 23 October 2025
In a major milestone for wildlife conservation, Botswana has recorded its first successful rescue, rehabilitation, and release of poisoned vultures — marking a new chapter in the country’s efforts to protect its rapidly declining raptor populations.
The incident began on 13 October, when the Conservation of Natural Ecosystems Trust (CONNECT) received reports of suspected wildlife poisoning near the Xudumela Conservancy. A rapid response team, mobilized within an hour and operating under the authority of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), arrived at the scene to find a grim situation — a dead hyena and ten white-backed vultures killed by poisoning.
Despite the losses, the coordinated operation — which included members from the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), DWNP Anti-Poaching Unit, Xudumela Conservancy, Elephant Havens, Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS), Walk Botswana Safaris, and Helicopter Horizons — managed to locate and rescue seven white-backed vultures and one bateleur eagle still alive.
Veterinarians Dr. Rob Jackson and Dr. Caron Botes, together with MAWS staff, provided emergency care to stabilize the birds before transferring them to Dr. Jackson’s aviary in Maun for continued rehabilitation. Aerial support from the Bushways Foundation aided follow-up searches the next day, ensuring no additional poisoned wildlife was overlooked.
After ten days of intensive care, all seven vultures were declared fully recovered and were released back into the wild on 23 October, in a joint effort by the DWNP, Dr. Jackson, and the CONNECT team.
Experts describe the event as a turning point for Botswana’s vulture conservation efforts, demonstrating the country’s growing ability to respond swiftly and effectively to wildlife poisoning — one of the most serious threats facing Africa’s endangered scavengers.
“This rescue shows what can be achieved when government, communities, and conservation partners work together,” said a spokesperson from CONNECT, which has collaborated for years with Raptors Botswana and the Endangered Wildlife Trust to protect raptors nationwide.
The successful release underscores the power of collaboration between public and private sectors — and offers a rare moment of hope for vultures across southern Africa.