On September 26, up to two California condors will be released
into the wild at Pinnacles National Monument, according to a press
release from Pinnacles National Monument.
On September 26, up to two California condors will be released into the wild at Pinnacles National Monument, according to a press release from Pinnacles National Monument.
According to the release:
The public is invited to attend the event to witness the first free flights of these condors from a viewing area located approximately a mile from the release site. This viewing area is normally closed to the public. Arrival at the park between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. is recommended in order to reach the viewing area before the ceremony begins at 10 a.m. The event will take place on the east side of the park off of Highway 25.
Shuttle services from designated parking areas will transport guests to within 1.5 miles of the viewing area. Guests unable to walk the trail can request special assistance. Spotting scopes, binoculars, water, layered clothing, and comfortable hiking shoes are highly recommended. Car pooling is encouraged since parking is limited, and is on a first come, first served basis. Because of the significance of this event and the desire to make it accessible to everyone, Superintendent Eric Brunnemann has scheduled the event to coincide with National Public Lands Day, a day when entrance fees are waived at all National Park sites.
“We are encouraged by the success of this program and the support of the local communities and park neighbors,”* said Brunnemann. The return of the California condor to the central coast of California provides excellent opportunities for condor viewing in the park, and we are proud to be a part of the recovery of this magnificent species. *
Four juvenile condors – two female and two male – will be set free in Pinnacles National Monument this fall, joining the park’s 22 wild resident condors. Up to two birds may be soft released through a double-door trap released on September 26, and once these birds give indications that are acclimating to their new surroundings, the park plans to release the remaining juveniles over the following weeks. There is a chance that no birds will enter the trap on the day of the event. However, there is a good chance to see previously released free flying birds. The 1-2-year-old juvenile condors are a result of successful captive breeding programs at the Oregon Zoo and Peregrine Fund World Center of Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho.
