A MATTER OF SURVIVAL

The largest bird in North America, with a wingspan in excess of 9 feet, the California condor once soared majestically in the skies above the Columbia River and the mountains of the Northwest coast.

In their journals, Lewis and Clark called this bird the "beautiful buzzard of the Columbia." Oregon's Native Americans revered them as having supernatural powers capable of protecting people against storms and natural disasters.

In 1904, the last condor was seen in Oregon and, by 1982, only 22 California condors were left in the world. Shrinking habitats and man-made hazards were mostly to blame.

Despite extensive conservation efforts in the wild, by 1987 it was clear that the condor population simply could not sustain itself. In a then controversial and desperate attempt to save this species from extinction, the last wild condors were taken into captivity. It proved to be the right decision.

FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

The California Condor Recovery Program's goal is to maintain a captive flock of at least 150 birds across several holding facilities and to release captive-bred condors to establish at least two separate, free-Fying populations of 150 birds each. Accomplishing this will remove die condor from the endangered species list — an extraordinary achievement for a species once so near to extinction.

One of the most urgent needs in meeting this goal is the establishment of additional breeding centers where chicks can be hatched and prepared for release into the wild.

The Oregon Zoo has been chosen to establish one of these centers. Our primary role will be to not only produce healthy condor chicks, but also help instill survival skills in the young birds.

Fortunately, it is possible to train young condors to avoid Hazards like power lines and choose safe nesting sites. Through the use of older "mentor" birds, it is even possible to develop a young condor's foraging and survival skills before release.

To accomplish this, both staff expertise and a large, remote facility where human contact is very limited are required.

Giving to the Future

These plans can't go forward without involvement of friends like you.

Surely the California condor deserves no less than our best effort. Each day brings new hope that the condor will be removed from the endangered species list and be successfully restored in the wild.

You can make an important difference through a tax-deductible gift to The Campaign for Condors, which may be made in cash, securities or tangible property, and may be pledged over a period of two years. Planned giving, including bequest intentions and the establishment of annuities or trusts, may allow you to make gifts that otherwise might not be possible.

To discuss donation/gift opportunities, please call
the Oregon Zoo Fondation at: 503-220-5707.

**Above info from "Condors at the Oregon Zoo" literature.

This web site is not affiliated with any government agency nor with the Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Condors web site is presented as a Not-For-Profit informational site only.

Oregon's California Condor Recovery Program