International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) is almost here — Saturday, 6 September — with activities running from August through to October.
Every year, people around the world come together to celebrate some of the most misunderstood — and most important — birds on Earth: vultures.
These birds play a critical role in the environment by cleaning up carrion and keeping ecosystems in balance. But despite their importance, many vulture species are now at risk of extinction, facing threats like poisoning, electrocution, habitat loss, and illegal killing.
That’s where IVAD comes in. It’s a global movement that shines a spotlight on vultures, dispels damaging myths, and supports the vital conservation work being done to protect them.
With awareness and action, we can give vultures the recognition and protection they urgently need — and help safeguard the health of our ecosystems along the way.
Join us in celebrating IVAD 2025
The 2025 celebration will run from August to October, with lots of ways to get involved. Whether you are new to vultures or already a fan, there’s something for everyone.
Online vulture scavenger hunt
Date: Tuesday, 16 September | Time: 18:30–19:30 CET | Location: Zoom
Hosted by the Vulture Conservation Foundation, this digital event mixes fun with facts. You will follow clues, uncover cool trivia about vulture species, and maybe even win a prize. It’s free and open to anyone — no background knowledge needed.
Vulture adventure quiz
Live on 6 September on our website and social media channels, this light-hearted quiz will take you on a wild adventure where you choose the response that best fits your instincts. Each choice reveals the European vulture species that matches your style.
Join the awareness campaign
From August through September to October, follow #VultureDay on our social media accounts for stories, facts, threats and spotlights on the European species. Every post shared helps bust myths and build support for conservation.
Want to do more?
IVAD isn’t just a one-day event — it’s part of a bigger effort to build awareness and drive long-term change. Here is how you can help:
- Host an activity: Organise a talk, a birdwatching walk, or a school presentation. We encourage you to register your event and make it part of the global IVAD map.
- Spread the word: Share articles, write a blog post, post on social media, or simply talk to others about vultures and their role in the environment.
- Join in: Look out for local or online events you can attend. Bring friends or family along — the more, the better.
In 2024, IVAD saw 119 events across 39 countries, bringing together thousands of people for vulture conservation. Let’s make 2025 even bigger.
A global movement for a global bird
IVAD started in 2006 as a joint project between the Endangered Wildlife Trust in South Africa and the Hawk Conservancy Trust in the UK. Today, it’s grown into a global movement supported by the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the IUCN’s Vulture Specialist Group, and other organizations.
This September, take a moment to learn something new about vultures. Join an event, share a post, or just talk to someone about what you’ve learned. Small actions add up, and every bit of awareness helps shift public perception and support efforts to protect these unique birds.
Follow @vultureday on Instagram and Facebook. And don’t forget to use #VultureDay when you share!
Join us to help change the narrative around vultures.
