I was working as a keeper at the LA Zoo when the condors were brought in. A friend and I went to view the last ones left in the wild. There is nothing like seeing the Thunderbird soar up over a hillside and zoom over you. I am so happy for this success. We must remain ever so vigilant — now the trump destroyers are bringing back the M-44 cyanide devices that explode in the mouths of predators, who’s carcasses are fed upon by animals including the California Condor.
I've heard about that! It's deeply upsetting to see the same mistakes being made over and over again... Hopefully those don't reach wide-spread use before environmental counter-action makes them illegal again.
A few years ago I photographed several of them at the Navajo Bridge in Arizona. It was very exciting to see them. At the time there were about reported 100 of them in Baja, 100 of them in California and 100 of them in Arizona. Finding one in Oregon is exciting.
Exciting news. I was living in Southern California from the mid-80s to mid-90s and remember the condor breeding program and initial releases well! It is always great to see this kind of restoration succeed. And what magnificent birds they are!
Me too! I used to attend the annual Condor Watch and Tequila Bust (before the breeding program started), and knew the first captive breeding program director, Lloyd Kiff.
Another thing, like the un-damming of the Klamath and the return of the Salmon, for which we can thank the Yurok people and their allies.
Absolutely. They've been fantastic stewards despite the many hardships they've faced. They're an inspiration!
This was such a treat to read today. With the constant barrage of terrible things happening, reading this gave me joy. Thank you for this.
Of course! I'm glad it brought some small hapiness!
Beautiful essay and true story! Thank you for this excellent news and information
Glad to spread the joy!
I was working as a keeper at the LA Zoo when the condors were brought in. A friend and I went to view the last ones left in the wild. There is nothing like seeing the Thunderbird soar up over a hillside and zoom over you. I am so happy for this success. We must remain ever so vigilant — now the trump destroyers are bringing back the M-44 cyanide devices that explode in the mouths of predators, who’s carcasses are fed upon by animals including the California Condor.
I've heard about that! It's deeply upsetting to see the same mistakes being made over and over again... Hopefully those don't reach wide-spread use before environmental counter-action makes them illegal again.
What a wonderful story in these dark times. Our First Nations people here in Australia also assist mightily in species and habitat restoration.
A few years ago I photographed several of them at the Navajo Bridge in Arizona. It was very exciting to see them. At the time there were about reported 100 of them in Baja, 100 of them in California and 100 of them in Arizona. Finding one in Oregon is exciting.
Exciting news. I was living in Southern California from the mid-80s to mid-90s and remember the condor breeding program and initial releases well! It is always great to see this kind of restoration succeed. And what magnificent birds they are!
Me too! I used to attend the annual Condor Watch and Tequila Bust (before the breeding program started), and knew the first captive breeding program director, Lloyd Kiff.
Thank you for calling attention to this. Please note that the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance played a major role in the effort!
I do hope Oregon doesn’t sell ammunition with lead in it. That causes a lit of condor deaths.
Unfortunately, I believe we do. Another goal to work towards in support of these magnificent creatures