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- Courtesy of USFWS
- Juvenile being acclimated for release at Pinnacles National Monument
California Condors are one of the largest flying birds in the world, second only to the Andean Condor. They are vultures. In 1987 the species was close to extinction when the last seven birds still in the wild were captured and, with other Condors already in captivity, placed in a propagation program aimed at saving the species from extinction. Through the efforts of a public-private partnership of state and federal wildlife agencies, zoos, and wildlife foundations, the captive and wild population now numbers about 250 birds. Almost all of the birds were introduced from captive breeding and reintroduction programs.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
There are four wild colonies in central and southern California, Arizona, and Baja California, Mexico, resulting from captive bird breeding programs and reintroduction.
- Amazing Facts
Initially, reintroduced California Condors were equipped with two battery-powered radio transmitters for tracking purposes. However, these birds go where radio signals drop off and their activities and survival could not be followed. Today, most birds carry a solar powered Global Positioning System (GPS) which sends signals about their movements and whereabouts to a satellite that then sends the signals back down to ground stations for researchers to interpret. The 60 gm (2 oz) transmitter and a colored identification tag are attached to the front of the wing where they do not interfere with the bird's movements, flight, or safety. The batteries last two years.
- At the Aquarium
The California Condor is illustrated on The Wave's mosaic tile mural, Rios de la Vida (Rivers of Life). The fountain, mural, and accompanying graphics illustrate the story of our Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers. Although not on exhibit in the Aquarium, this bird is included in our website animal database to expand on the information touched on in The Wave fountain exhibit.
