Reward Offered in Death of Endangered Vulture at Dallas Zoo

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an indictment in the weekend death of an endangered vulture at the Dallas Zoo.

Dallas CEO Greg Hudson said the endangered species was at lest 35-years-old when it was found dead Saturday in its habitat with a wound. He couldn’t expand on the cause of death because of the ongoing Police investigation.

This is Pin…the endangered vulture that died over the weekend at the Dallas Zoo. Death called “unusual.” Police involved. He had 11 offspring. @WBAP247NEWS @570KLIF pic.twitter.com/1mMv1PMjgQ
— Clayton Neville (@ClaytonNeville) January 23, 2023

The vulture’s death comes a week after two separate animal enclosures were cut at the Dallas Zoo. In one case, a clouded leopard escaped its enclosure before being later found. It’s not clear if the three incidents are connected.

Zoo officials say they have boosted camera range at Zoo since two enclosures were cut earlier this year. Those efforts will continue. “About to cast a wide net” regarding resources. $10K reward being offered for info leading to indictment. @WBAP247NEWS @570KLIF pic.twitter.com/zdmmvnjXFm
— Clayton Neville (@ClaytonNeville) January 23, 2023

The animal cruelty division of the Dallas Police Department, along with U.S. Fish and Wildlife investigators are looking into recent events.

Dallas Police say U.S. Fish and wildlife is joining investigation into endangered vulture found dead. @WBAP247NEWS @570KLIF pic.twitter.com/homOd8g0xh
— Clayton Neville (@ClaytonNeville) January 23, 2023

According to the zoo, the lappet-faced vulture named Pin was a male that was at least 35 years old. He arrived at Dallas Zoo 33 years ago, and we don’t know his exact hatch date. Pin was one of four lappet-faced vultures at Dallas Zoo.