California Condor AC-4 Returns To The Wild After 30 Years

[Kris G.]

 
http://www.fws.gov/news/blog/index.cfm/2016/1/4/California-Condor-AC4-Returns-to-the-Wild-After-30-Years

[Lynne in New Hampshire]

http://www.fws.gov/news/blog/index.cfm/2016/1/4/California-Condor-AC4-Returns-to-the-Wild-After-30-Years

that is so great !

[Dot_Forrester]

I understand the need for captive birds to replenish a declining species, but that's a very long time to be held out of the wild. Hopefully he is enjoying his freedom in the skies.

Dot in PA

[AlisonL]

I understand the need for captive birds to replenish a declining species, but that's a very long time to be held out of the wild. Hopefully he is enjoying his freedom in the skies.

Dot in PA

It is such a long time for AC-4 to have been kept in captivity. With 30 chicks released to the wild, he has made an invaluable contribution to the return of the condor. I hope he will find a new mate, have many more chicks, and many more decades flying safely in the wild.

The number of 420 birds given in the article is a little misleading. Only 235 of these condors are in the wild; the rest are in captivity. And according to Ventana Wildlife Society, the California wild population is still at only approximately 140 birds.

The Los Angeles Times also had an editorial on condors on January 7.

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-0107-california-condor-20160107-story.html