Photo ©: D. Moen
In Oregon, Lewis and Clark were awestruck by the largest bird they encountered: the California condor. With its nearly 10-foot wingspan and intelligent behavior, the captains were rightly fascinated. Ironically, as settlers moved into the Northwest, the great birds began to die off. The last official sighting of a condor in Oregon was in 1904, and by 1987 only 27 birds existed anywhere.
Photo ©: C. WestCondors may once again fly free in Oregon, thanks to the California Condor Recovery Program. In a remote area with enough space for 64 total birds, including 16 breeding pairs, the Oregon Zoo's breeding facility is one of only four in the country.
Already, the zoo has helped produce and rear chicks that have been released into the wild, and the total California condor population has increased to several hundred. With each new egg, hatchling, fledged chick and released bird, there is greater hope for this wondrous member of our community.
Learn more about Condor Recovery |
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