TYLER, Texas — Meet Matilda, a black vulture at the Caldwell Zoo.
Vultures, like Matilda, play a special role in the ecosystem by serving as nature's cleanup crew.
They keep the wilderness clean by eating dead or decaying material, which is also called carrion. This type of diet is good for vultures' health and does not cause tummy trouble. The strong acids in their digestive system break down decaying materials and keep them safe from illness.
Not only do vultures' stomachs aid in a decaying diet, their feathers also help maintain hygiene. The lack of feathers on the raptor's head keeps rotting meat from becoming stuck on their bodies.
Due to their less-than-appealing diet, vultures often get a bad reputation.
To help break this stereotype, Matilda acts as an animal ambassador at the Caldwell Zoo. She can often be found greeting guests at the zoo's Raptor Training program on Wednesdays.