Sarah Edwards releases the newly healed vulture into the wild. Photo courtesy of Big Lick Veterinary Services.

On February 6, 2012, veterinarians and veterinary technicians of Big Lick Veterinary Services rescued a Coragyps atratus, otherwise known as an American Black Vulture.  The federally protected species was found on the side of Bent Mountain Road in Roanoke suffering from an injury to its pelvis.

It was transported to Second Chance for Wildlife, a rescue and rehabilitation organization operated by Sabrina Garvin, for further observation.  Due to the severity of its injury, it was then sent to the Wildlife Center of Virginia to begin its recovery.  Finally, after months of rehabilitation, the vulture was approved for release.

On May 14, 2012 it was returned back to Second Chance for Wildlife, and on the evening of May 15, 2012 the vulture was released back into its original habitat by Sarah Edwards.

Submitted by Demi Milstead, Big Lick Veterinary Services.