Finally Free

Two of the endangered California condors, North America’s largest bird, were re-introduced to the wild on Tuesday -- making them the only known condors outside of captivity.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Population: Two in the wild and 50 in captivity.

Habitat: Foothills and mountains of Southern California.

Markings: Adults are black with triangular white wing linings with a smudged white patch on the inner upper wing and a bare, orange head.

Height and Weight: Almost 4 feet, 20-22 pounds.

Wingspread: 9 feet

Diet: Like vultures, they eat carrion.

Nests: Caves and ledges located along sandstone cliffs.

Lifespan: More than 50 years.

Reason for decline: Loss of habitat, lead poisoning, feeding on poisoned predators, and shooting.

A CONDOR CHRONOLOGY

1602: First recorded sighting of a California Condor by a European--in Baja California.

1947: 35,000-acre Sespe Condor Sanctuary is established.

1965: Survey shows estimated 60 condors remain in the wild.

1967: U.S. government lists condor as endangered species.

1975: Condor Recovery Plan initiated by wildlife officials and conservationists.

1981: San Diego and Los Angeles zoos begin a program to breed condors in captivity.

1983: Four condor eggs taken from wild are hatched in San Diego.

1985-86: After six wild condors disappear, officials decide to capture three remaining birds for breeding.

1987: Last wild California Condor is captured, bringing population of captive birds to 27.

1988: First successful breeding of captive condors occurs at San Diego Wild Animal Park.

1991: Captive breeding program raises population to 52.

Jan. 14, 1992: Two California Condors, one male and one female, reintroduced to wild.

SOURCE: Times articles, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “Audubon Handbook, Western Birds”