After two failed releases, this endangered vulture finally found its wings

Vulture J132 feeding on a cattle carcass

After being recaptured twice following failed release attempts, rehabilitated Indian Vulture ‘J132' has finally adapted to life in the wild. The bird has survived 56 continuous days, travelled more than 1618 km, and joined wild vultures to independently locate and feed on cattle carcasses in Nashik. The remarkable journey, recorded by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) researchers, marks a major success for Maharashtra's vulture conservation breeding and release programme and offers hope that the bird has successfully adapted to life in the wild.

Third chance

J132 was released for the third time in Nashik on June 7. Since then, it has explored the vulture-rich landscapes of northern Nashik and frequently travelled along the Maharashtra-Gujarat border, including Valsad district.

The rehabilitated Indian Vulture was first released at Pench Tiger Reserve on December 11, 2025, as part of the programme's second batch. It covered more than 750 km in 20 days before reaching Nashik, where it was recaptured for further physical conditioning. Following another brief release in early 2026, researchers gave it a third chance in Nashik.

Tracking data

Satellite telemetry data collected by BNHS researchers shows J132 has displayed strong navigation, habitat selection, and survival instincts. Its longest single-day flight was 168 km on June 17.

J132's movement maps during its first release (December 11-28, 2025) and successful third release (June 7-July 30, 2026). Pics/Bombay Natural History Society

Over the past eight weeks, the bird has continued exploring northern Nashik and the Maharashtra-Gujarat border landscape. During spells of heavy monsoon rain in late July, telemetry data showed J132 remained stationary, conserving energy until the weather improved.

Official Speak

Kishor Rithe, director, BNHS
"Crucially, field monitoring teams observed J132 successfully associating with multiple wild vultures in the Dol Ohol and Deodongra areas of Nashik. Even during periods of very heavy rainfall, teams visually confirmed the tagged bird independently locating and feeding on cattle carcasses alongside the wild flock, proving its complete behavioural adaptation."

Manansingh Mahadev, researcher, BNHS
"J132's continued presence in the northern Nashik landscape underscores the ecological importance of this region. The area, characterised by rugged cliffs and a favourable microclimate, serves as a critical natural stronghold for the critically endangered Gyps vulture species. By successfully navigating to and remaining within this core habitat, J132 provides vital data that will help shape future conservation zones and release protocols."

June 7
Day the Vulture was released for the third time