Day Trips

photos by Gerald E. McLeod

Cameron Park Zoo in Waco has an unexpected group of visitors. A committee of black vultures (that's what you call a group of resting vultures) has taken up residence in the black bear's enclosure. As long as they let sleeping bears lie, he doesn't seem to mind the company.

Native to Texas, black vultures range from Canada to South America and eat mostly carrion. Some stay in the area year-round when they find a good highway to stake out. Highly social birds, they form family units. The big, shy birds were the only animals active on a hot September afternoon. Their awkward walk was comical as they preened, argued, and splashed in the shaded pool. It's too warm for the bear to bother brushing them away.

The black-headed vultures began moving into the zoo in 2008, when their roosts were disturbed by construction, says Terri Cox, an animal specialist at the zoo. At one point there were more than 300 of the birds spending the night. Most have moved back to the comfort of the forest along the river.

Because vultures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, there isn't much the zoo can do to evict the birds. The animal park tries to be a good neighbor by not feeding the wild birds, and by monitoring their health and appreciating the beauty of nature.

Cameron Park Zoo is west of I-35 at 1701 N. Fourth, in Waco. The park is also known for its 27 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and walking trails.

1,211th in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of "Day Trips," is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.