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California Condor Reintroduction

The California Condor Recovery Program requires dedicated biologists and volunteers who watch the flock and provide care for the birds whenever needed. The wild flock in central California is a direct result of our efforts combined with our collaborators but the ongoing success depends largely on our ability to continue caring for individuals that need our help. For example, through nest guarding, we not only locate wild condor nest sites but we also do our best to ensure their eggs are viable and their chicks survive. 

Once free-flying in the wild, we continue this care by providing for the safety and health of each condor.  We must re-trap each condor as often as twice per year to treat cases of lead poisoning and other health problems they endure.  It is simply not enough to just take zoo-bred condors and release them to the wild.  We must throughout the year make sure each bird has the best chance to survive so that the species as a whole can make it.

Since 2006, we have treated 15 condors for lead poisoning that may have otherwise died. In just this year alone, we have saved three condors from lead poisoning and assisted three pairs of condors to raise three chicks.  Six birds may not seem like a lot but keep in mind that this number also represents  12% of the entire wild flock of condors in central California! The threats that brought the condor to near extinction still exist today but thanks to new legislation and better awareness of their problems, they are making a comeback.

We now need to remain focused on each condor in the wild so that one day in the not-so-distant future, condors will survive on their own once again. Help us to help condors and make a gift today or call us at 831-455-9514 to find out about other ways you can help.

Get to know wild condors at MyCondor.org

Notes from the Field Which condor did you see? Use condor spotter to find out.

Links to videos featuring California Condors in Big Sur:

Redwood tree nesting Condors are Condors Male 167 and Female 190 California Condor in a Redwood tree nest	Cliff nesting Condors are Condors Male 168 and Female 208 California Condor nest in cliff
California Condor in a Redwood tree nest, part two	California Condor nest in cliff, part two
California Condor in a Redwood tree next, part three