WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA — One of Walnut Creek’s most remarkable residents has been around since 1974. He has a royal title, a taste for watermelon, and an aviary smack dab in Larkey Park–some pretty prime real estate!
Meet Lord Richard, the 52-year-old turkey vulture at Lindsay Wildlife Experience.
Lindsay celebrated his latest birthday on July 11, identifying him as the oldest known living turkey vulture in the world. That’s quite a distinction for a bird whose home is right here in the East Bay.
A Walnut Creek resident for more than half a century
According to Lindsay’s animal ambassador profile, Lord Richard hatched at San Francisco’s Randall Museum in 1974 and moved to Lindsay later that year.
Being raised by people left him imprinted on humans and unable to socialize properly with wild vultures. He became an animal ambassador instead, helping visitors learn about his species.
That means his Walnut Creek residency stretches back more than five decades. Children who met him on an early visit could now be bringing their grandchildren.
His story also comes with an unexpected identity twist.
For years, Lindsay lore held that Richard had laid an egg. Staff consequently believed the bird with the distinctly masculine name was female.
Then, in 2018, Lindsay tested its birds. Lord Richard turned out to be male after all. Surprise! No word on where the egg came from, but apparently not Richard.
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A birthday cake only a vulture could love
Lord Richard’s 52nd birthday celebration featured watermelon, raw meat and superworms fashioned into a special birthday “cake.”
There was live music, too. Bay Area band The Corner Laughers performed its original song, “Lord Richard,” written in his honor.
Lauren Amy, Lindsay’s curator of animal encounters, called him a “local legend” in the birthday announcement.
It’s an apt description for an animal who has spent so many years introducing people to a species they might otherwise only notice soaring overhead.
Lindsay explains that turkey vultures use both their eyesight and a strong sense of smell to find dead animals to eat. Their dark wings, small bald heads and slightly rocking flight make them recognizable in the sky.
Lord Richard gives visitors a chance to meet one much closer to the ground.
How to visit
Lindsay Wildlife Experience is at 1931 First Avenue in Walnut Creek, in Larkey Park.
The museum lists regular exhibit hall hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $20 for adults and $17 for seniors, students with ID and children ages 2-17. Members and children younger than 2 get in free.
You don’t need admission to see Lord Richard, as he’s right in front of the museum. Check with Lindsay about Lord Richard’s availability if he’s the main reason for your trip, though, as he isn’t always outside.
After all, a 52-year-old local legend deserves a little flexibility in his schedule!
