The spectacular California Condor, with a wingspan of nearly 9.5 feet, is the largest bird in North America. Today it’s enjoying a hopeful revival, especially in Central California. Experts anticipate that the number of these critically endangered birds in the wild could soon reach its highest level in years, potentially totaling 123 individuals. Conservation efforts are continuing and are raising the funds and awareness needed to bolster the fragile, recovering population of the California Condor. This positive perspective comes in the wake of the unprecedented challenge of a worldwide spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
For officials in Central California, health representatives just made a huge scientific breakthrough. Through collaboration and innovation, they have produced the highly effective vaccine to protect birds from HPAI. This is on top of the tragic loss of 21 California Condors from Arizona’s flock to the outbreak in 2023. Our recovery program specifically focuses on population boom. It sets a medium-term policy goal of 50 people by 2027 and a long-term strategic target of 150 people by 2029.
Recent Releases and Population Growth
The upcoming release of 13 juvenile California Condors will be the largest single release to date and it represents a wonderful success of the program! These young birds are made up of seven hatched and reared in captivity at the Los Angeles Zoo, and six hatching from the Oregon Zoo. We are releasing them into the wild to increase genetic diversity. This common-sense effort would make all Americans, and in particular the general population, healthier and more resilient.
The release this fall will increase the number of condors released from San Simeon to 70. Prior to this, the first release of 56 captive-bred juveniles took place in Big Sur. This release was critical to the federal recovery efforts for the entire region. By working to expand their breeding and release programs, conservationists are doing their best to combat the various threats of this iconic species.
Kelly Sorenson, a leader in condor conservation and advocacy efforts, told KQED that he beat back his cautious optimism about the releases.
“But I’m knocking on wood that no additional deaths occur between now and when these juveniles enter the wild flock.” – Kelly Sorenson
Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. In 2025, a record number of six Central California flock California Condors died, including two from lead poisoning. These two young condors were released from Pinnacles, but a bobcat attack killed them soon after. This heart-wrenching incident underscores the perils that new fledglings encounter on their initial forays into nature.
The Challenges of Survival
Young California Condors have a steep learning curve when they first fledge and soar into the air. As Joe Burnett, one of the principal figures in the recovery efforts, points out, this is a serious problem. These young birds often arrive in dangerous conditions.
“These two birds hadn’t been out that long; they were really inexperienced. It is really unfortunate. We release birds and try to prep them as much as we can,” – Joe Burnett
Baldassarre noted that these young birds are especially susceptible on their first trips out.
“They are very vulnerable the first time they go out, trying to get their wings under them.” – Joe Burnett
California Condors don’t reach full sexual maturity until they are five to seven years of age. This maturity increases their breeding capacity as additional juveniles are returned to their native range. Juvenile condors retain their black heads for years while they grow to adulthood. Because of this extended residency time it can be hard to judge their age and experience in the wild.
As the population creeps ever closer to dangerous record highs, conservationists continue to be on guard and monitor these threats. Sadly, lead poisoning is still a very real danger today. It affects both breeding, mature birds as well as untrained juvenile birds that could inadvertently ingest toxic materials during foraging.
Looking Ahead
The trajectory of the California Condor population tells an important story about the challenges and successes in wildlife conservation. The same kind of dedicated outreach and education efforts will be needed to vaccinate against diseases such as HPAI. Through increased observation of the birds we release, we can ensure a stable, growing future for this species.
As five pre-fledge condor chicks get ready to leave their nest, conservationists are still doing everything they can to keep these vulnerable birds alive. The outlook for California Condors is brighter than it has been in years, thanks to ongoing recovery initiatives and community support.
“Our long-term strategic goal is to reach 150 individuals by 2029.” – Kelly Sorenson
As five pre-fledge condor chicks prepare to leave their nests, conservationists remain committed to ensuring their survival. The outlook for California Condors is brighter than it has been in years, thanks to ongoing recovery initiatives and community support.