The countdown has officially begun. On Saturday, 6 September 2025, International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) returns, bringing with it a global celebration of one of nature’s most vital and misunderstood birds.
Every year, IVAD brings together wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, schools, photographers and families from around the world to highlight the crucial role vultures play in ecosystems and why they desperately need our help.
Vultures are often overlooked or misunderstood, but they are essential to sustaining healthy ecosystems. By feeding on carrion, they help keep the environment clean, recycle nutrients back into the soil and likely prevent the spread of diseases. Yet many vulture species are now in serious decline, facing threats like poisoning, illegal killing, lack of food availability, and electrocution and collision.
That’s why this day matters. IVAD is all about awareness, education and collective action. It’s a chance to shift the narrative around vultures and help people see them in the positive light they deserve.
How to get involved
One of the best things about IVAD is that anyone can take part. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a student or simply someone who cares about wildlife, there are all sorts of ways to join the celebration:
- Organisations can host vulture-themed events and awareness campaigns.
- Educators can carry out informative lessons or storytelling activities around vultures.
- Families might try out crafts and games.
- Wildlife photographers can share their best vulture shots online.
- Vulture lovers can help spread the message using the hashtag #VultureDay.
- Scientists and conservation workers can share stories, data, or behind-the-scenes perspectives from the field.
And if you are looking for something already on the calendar, the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) has a lineup of activities happening throughout September.
What is happening at VCF for IVAD 2025
This year, the VCF is hosting a range of online activities to celebrate vultures and share what makes them so fascinating.
Vulture adventure quiz
This interactive quiz takes participants on a choose-your-own-path journey through the world of European vultures. Based on your answers, you will discover which vulture species you are most like.
Celebrating 20 years of Vallcalent
It’s a big year for the Bearded Vulture Captive Breeding Unit in Vallcalent, Spain, which turns 20 in 2025. As part of the celebration, the VCF will be sharing a series of stories and behind-the-scenes content to showcase the conservation journey the centre has had over the past two decades.
Online awareness campaigns
Throughout August and September, VCF will be posting species profiles, conservation and threats spotlights, and ways to get involved. It’s a great way to stay informed and help raise awareness.
Stay in the Loop
If you are interested in seeing what others are planning for IVAD or want to host your own event, visit the official IVAD website. You will find resources, ideas and event listings to help you get started.
You can also follow @vultureday on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the IVAD activities.
Let’s make IVAD 2025 a moment to remember — for vultures, for ecosystems and for the future of conservation.
P.S. If you can’t make it on 6 September, you can celebrate IVAD throughout August, September and October.
