It is safe to say that turkey vultures and vultures in particular have a bad reputation. The scavengers are often depicted as hovering above a helpless cowboy in an arid desert and licking their beaks with cruel anticipation.

Unfortunately, this stereotype can have negative effects in the real world. Conservation groups created International Vulture Awareness Day on the first Saturday of September to rectify this stereotype.

This holiday, which is meant to increase awareness about all species of vultures in the world, was established in South Africa and the United Kingdom. It quickly spread throughout the globe. There are many events hosted by wildlife organizations and zoos from the United States, Canada, India, Uganda, Australia, Tunisia, and other countries where people can learn more about vultures. If you are interested in joining the celebrations, you should search for vulture events at your local wildlife park or zoo.

Even if they are not able to attend a local event, vulture lovers can still enjoy the festivities. A group of friends can enjoy a nature documentary about vultures together. This will help to share our love for these beautiful, but often misunderstood, animals. A vulture-shaped cake is the ideal accompaniment for the ambitious.

As a way to recognize the ecological significance of birds of prey, the first Saturday of September was set aside. This is a day that’s often overlooked and dismissed with a shudder. Today’s event aims to educate the public about the crucial role this bird plays in protecting the environment and other species that are under serious threat.

Conservationists working to preserve vultures have struggled with fund-raising and making their cause more appealing, as vultures are traditionally seen as a symbol of death and decay. The joint efforts of South Africa’s Birds of Prey Programme (SA) and England’s Hawk Conservancy Trust (England) in creating a day of awareness about vultures will hopefully change people’s attitudes. The vulture’s important role in alerting other scavengers of the presence of a carcass helps to prevent contamination by pathogens.