BIG SUR, Calif. (AP) - Biologists released an endangered California condor back into the wild on Tuesday.
The bird was greeted by other members of the flock following its release into the Big Sur wilderness around 10 a.m., Ventana Wildlife Society Senior Biologist Joe Burnett. The release was broadcast live.
“She did great,” he said. “She did about as perfect as you can ask for.”
Burnett said the bird had been treated at the Los Angeles Zoo for a wing injury and was testing it in the wild for the first time. She was released less than a mile from her parents and the nest where she was born.
Ventana was planning to release three additional condors, but decided against it because of inclement weather, Burnett said. Those birds will be released over the coming weeks.
There are about 230 California condors left in the wild. The majestic birds nearly became extinct in the 1980s before wildlife officials captured the last remaining few and began an aggressive breeding program.
Their biggest threat has been lead poisoning from feeding on animals killed by hunters using lead bullets.
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