Earlier this month, wildlife enthusiasts were excited that a pair of young vultures flew out of their nests for the first time, hovering over the high above Big Bear Lake.
This week, the focus is on 10 vulture chicks hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo to qualify them to be released into the wild to help restore the state’s depleted vulture population.
“This year’s chicks will ultimately help improve the genetic diversity of wild vultures,” Denise Verret, CEO and Director of the Los Angeles Zoo, said in a press release. “This iconic species represents a conservation victory in Los Angeles and California.”
Release said four of the chicks were raised by a double envelope method, meaning two alternative California vultures were raised at the same time. The Los Angeles Zoo is the first to use this breeding technique.
“La Zoo’s leadership in breeding California condors is a clear testament to marriage between marriage and animal husbandry,” Misha Body, associate director of the animal program at Los Angeles Zoo, said in a press release. “The care and well-being provided by our animal care team continues to be innovative and successful annually in the vulture program.”
Release notes that all chicks bred at the zoo are eligible to be released into the wild, although some of them may prevent future breeding.
Condors are threatened by lead poisoning and other toxins. According to the 2022 study, 40 DDT-related compounds – or chemicals that reach the top of the food chain from contaminated marine life – found in the blood of wild California condors.
When the California Condor Recovery Program began forty years ago, there were only 22 California Condor Remaining Eagle on Earth. As of 2024, there were 561 vultures and 344 sheepskins in the wild. The species remains severely threatened.
