One of two Ruppell's Griffon Vultures at South Carolina's Greenville Zoo. Found in central Africa's Sahel region, this particular vulture species is recorded as having the highest flying altitude of any bird, at a maximum of 37,000 feet (11,300m)! Sadly, it has also been categorized as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN; its population numbers are decreasing due to incidental carbofuran poisoning; loss of habitats, nesting grounds and food availability; and overuse for human food and medicine,