There’s been a major milestone in recovery efforts for endangered California condors on the Central and South Coasts. For the first time since the 1980’s, a condor chick has fledged in Santa Barbara County.
The six month old bird took its first flight from its nest in the backcountry of the Los Padres National Forest.
The bird’s father is famous in condor circles as well. AC-4 was one of the final 22 California Condors on earth which was captured in the 1980’s, for a captive breeding program intended to save the species. While in captivity, AC-4 fathered 30 chicks which were later released into the wild. The now 38 year old bird was re-released in 2015.
There are now an estimated 470 condors worldwide.
