A long-billed white-backed vulture released back into the wild in Maharashtra after its recovery

J132, a long-billed vulture has been rehabilitated and released at Anjaneri Reserve. (Image: Instagram/@ranjeetnature)

• Critically endangered vulture J132 rescued and released in Maharashtra.
• J132 now tracked after recovery, aiding vulture conservation efforts.
• Release marks a major milestone for India's vulture reintroduction program.

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A critically endangered vulture has soared back into its wild territory. The Long-billed vulture, also known as J-132 was rescued after tiring during a long Maharashtra journey. Forest teams nursed it back to health before setting it free. This bird was released in the wild again from Nashik on 20th January 2026. This successful release marks another step in species protection efforts. Scientists and wildlife workers celebrated this positive conservation milestone.

The Vulture that goes by the Name "J132"

J132 is a long-billed white-backed vulture, a majestic scavenger species. This vulture species is critically endangered across India and South Asia. Scientists and wildlife teams assign identification codes to tracked birds. The name helps monitor movements, behaviors and long-term survival.

J132 became a research subject in national vulture conservation programmes. It traveled nearly 750 km over 17 days, crossing several districts including Wardha, Yavatmal and Jalna.

Watch | A long-billed white-backed vulture (ID: J132) has been successfully released into the Anjaneri Vulture Conservation Reserve after treatment and recovery at the Wildlife Treatment Centre (TTC), Mharsul.

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📌The vulture, which had flown all the way from Pench Tiger Reserve… pic.twitter.com/z3bRtfaXz2 — United News of India (@uniindianews) January 21, 2026

What Happened to This Vulture?

J132 was found weak and exhausted near Nashik district in Maharashtra, India. The underweight bird had travelled far from Pench Tiger Reserve. It struggled after flying long distances across rugged terrain. Officials noticed signs of fatigue, anaemia and nutritional depletion. Immediate help was needed to prevent further health deterioration.

How Was It Rescued?

Forest officials spotted J132 during routine wildlife patrol near Nashik. This bird was rescued on 29th December 2025. They gently captured the bird using trained rescue personnel. It was taken to the Wildlife Treatment Centre in Mhasrul, Nashik. Veterinarians, forest staff and NGO volunteers provided treatment. The Bombay Natural History Society collaborated on care and data.

J132 released Back in the Blue

By January 20, 2026, J132 had fully recovered from weakness. Forest teams released it into the Anjaneri Vulture Conservation Reserve. A tracking chip will monitor its movement throughout wild terrain. The vulture began flying freely, rejoining its natural ecosystem again. J132’s journey is being hailed as a "striking coincidence" and a massive win for India's vulture reintroduction program.