Dallas, TX – On January 21, a 35-year-old endangered vulture named Pin was found dead in his enclosure at the Dallas Zoo, and his death is being called “suspicious.” Zoo officials are devastated over the loss of Pin, and they are hopeful that their offering of a $10,000 reward will bring them information about his death.

On January 22, the zoo stated:

The circumstances of the death are unusual, and the death does not appear to be from natural causes.

At a press conference this week, Dallas Zoo CEO Gregg Hudson offered few details about Pin’s death, only noting that he was wounded when he was first discovered in his enclosure. Hudson said:

“We’re going to continue to expand and implement whatever it takes for the safety and security measures of the animals, the staff and the people that live near the zoo.”

In a social media post, the zoo referred to Pin as a “remarkable boy and an extraordinary ambassador for his species.” The bird had been at the Dallas Zoo for 33 years, during which time he sired 11 offspring, including his first “grandkid,” in early 2020.

The zoo is mourning his death, writing:

Losing him is devastating not only to our Zoo family but also to the conservation efforts of this species. With only about 6,500 individuals of lappet-faced vultures left on Earth, they are now listed as endangered by the IUCN with a chance of moving to critically endangered.

Adding:

Pin will be missed dearly by everyone, especially those who were lucky enough to have taken care of him.

(Image via Sr. Ambassador Animal Specialist Cheyenne S./Dallas Zoo Facebook page)

Continue Reading: Shelter Awarded Custody Of Cats And Dogs Who Were Living In Horrible Situation

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