10 Incredible California Condor Facts — Photo Gallery!
Did you know there are only 358 critically endangered California condors left?
In 1980, the wild population of California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) was thought to consist of just five breeding pairs. In 1987, the species became extinct in the wild when the last wild California condors were taken into captivity to become part of a captive breeding program – the only way to save the species.
Today, thanks to that decision to start a captive breeding program, 189 California condors are flying free and 169 are in captivity. To help raise awareness for these majestic birds, here is a compilation of incredible California condor facts and a photo gallery of some of the most unusual faces you’ve ever seen. Enjoy!
The condors have numbers tatooed on their wings….it is a good way to keep track of each condor….I am wondering if companies can adopt a condor and monitor their condor’s life and receive reports about the welfare of the condor?
From the author:
Mary – you can adopt a condor at http://mycondor.org/ … the condors are ID’d by their wing numbers, and have also been given nicknames by the field team.
i think the California condor has a pink head and neck the wings are black and white.