LA Zoo Sets Record with 17 California Condor Chicks.

Ryan Chilton Aug 01, 2024
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condor, la zoo, good news

The Los Angeles Zoo is celebrating an incredible milestone this year: a record-breaking 17 California condor chicks have hatched in the 2024 breeding season. This achievement not only surpasses the previous record of 15 chicks set in 1997 but also represents a significant leap forward in the conservation efforts for America’s largest flying bird.

The 17th and final chick hatched in June is thriving, and this success underscores the zoo's commitment to bolstering the population of this critically endangered species. The California condor, known for its impressive wingspan of nearly 10 feet and its strikingly large presence, is a symbol of conservation resilience. The remarkable number of chicks this season highlights the effectiveness of innovative breeding techniques developed by the LA Zoo’s dedicated team.

The journey to this record began in earnest in 2017 when the LA Zoo pioneered a new approach to condor breeding. Traditionally, each condor chick was raised separately, but this new method involved placing two chicks with a surrogate condor to be raised. This breakthrough was soon followed by an even more ambitious technique in 2024, where three chicks were raised simultaneously by a single female surrogate—a first for the California Condor Recovery Program (CCRP).

This “triple brooding” approach represents a major advancement in the program’s efforts. By having a female condor raise multiple chicks, the zoo not only optimizes the number of viable condor chicks produced each season but also helps them acclimate more naturally for eventual release into the wild. The method minimizes human interaction, which is crucial for preparing the birds for a successful transition to their natural habitat.

The history of the California condor conservation effort is a poignant one. The program began in 1967 when a malnourished fledgling named Topa Topa was brought to the LA Zoo. At that time, the California condor was on the brink of extinction, with only 22 individuals remaining. Recognizing the urgency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Fish and Game Commission established a captive breeding program, with the LA Zoo as a founding partner.

Fast forward to December 2023, and the global population of California condors has grown to 561, with 344 living in the wild. While these numbers are encouraging, they are still subject to fluctuations due to various environmental and human factors. Condors play a critical role in the ecosystem as scavengers, consuming the carcasses of large mammals and helping to maintain the balance of their environment.

As for the 17 chicks from this record-breaking season, they will remain under the care of the LA Zoo for the next year and a half. During this period, their development will be closely monitored to assess their readiness for release back into the wild. This careful evaluation process ensures that each chick has the best chance of thriving in its natural habitat, continuing the cycle of recovery and conservation.

The success of this breeding season is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the LA Zoo’s condor team. It also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of the California condor, showcasing what can be achieved through innovation and perseverance in conservation efforts.