Concern grows after suspected poisoning of vulture Kuzya at Moscow Zoo

Officials and veterinarians are investigating reports that a vulture named Kuzya at the Moscow Zoo became seriously ill after a potential poisoning involving visitors. The incident has raised questions about how predators with highly selective diets respond to food offered by people and how zoos protect captive birds from intentional harm. Veterinarians describe Kuzya as a scavenger with refined senses, whose diet normally includes certain meat products and other items typical of a scavenging bird. If a visitor offers food that is not fresh or is outside the bird’s usual choices, Kuzya’s body may react in ways that require immediate medical attention. This sensitivity is part of what makes the case so troubling for caretakers and security staff who strive to maintain a safe environment for all animals in their care. [Source attribution: Moscow Zoo veterinary team and staff]