Five endangered California condors join Arizona's wild population near Grand Canyon

The Peregrine Fund released five California condors into the wild at Vermilion Cliffs, boosting the population in Arizona and Utah to 88. These birds were bred at the Oregon Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, integral to a long-term captive breeding program. The release coincided with National Public Lands Day, attracting about 600 attendees. Tim Hauck, the program director, expressed hope for the species' recovery, citing the importance of gradual acclimatization for the birds. The event marked the second release in Arizona since an avian flu outbreak affected the local population.

California condors remain critically endangered due to habitat loss, lead poisoning, and slow reproductive rates, producing only one offspring every two years. Since the mid-20th century, the population has rebounded from just 22 individuals, thanks to combined efforts from various organizations and wildlife services. Today, there are five free-flying populations of California condors across different regions, including California and Mexico.