Ruppell's Griffon Vulture (Gyps rueppellii)

'Nip' will be trained over the winter of 2007-8 and will then hopefully be used at Outside Displays as well as daily displays at the centre.

IN THE WILD

Origin: Central Africa: endemic to relatively narrow belt of arid sub-Saharan Africa.

Diet: Carrion: intestines and softer flesh of mainly large dead mammals. Can eat up to 1.5kg (3lbs) of meat in one sitting.

Habitat: Dry open country: cliffs and gorges essential for nesting and roosting. Also forages in open savannah, thornbush and subdesert; even when gorged seldom roosts in trees. Generally avoids human settlements.

Generally regarded as non-migratory but can forage 150-200km from base. Is a colonial breeder from tens to hundreds of pairs breeding and roosting together.