Crete driver rescues exhausted vulture on highway

A driver, Thanasis Gounaris, rescued an exhausted vulture on the Northern Road Axis of Crete near Rethymno. The bird was found immobilized in the middle of the road, appearing severely weakened by high temperatures and a lack of water.

Gounaris and several bystanders stopped traffic to move the animal away from the roadway. He provided the bird with water and food to keep it stable until professional help arrived. After contacting ANIMA in Athens, the Rethymno Forestry Service was notified and arrived promptly to take custody of the animal.

Experts indicated the vulture likely requires hydration and electrolytes. The animal will receive necessary care before being released back into the wild.