Seven Endangered California Condor Chicks Hatch at Oregon Zoo

Seven California condor chicks, a critically endangered species, hatched over the last week at the Oregon Zoo’s Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation.

Critically Endangered California Condor Chicks Hatched At Oregon Zoo

With only about 600 California condors left in the world, since late January, condors at Oregon’s Jonsson Center have been laying several fertile eggs this year, laying the groundwork for species recovery one egg at a time. Seven have hatched, with more chicks expected soon.

Nicole LaGreco, who oversees the zoo’s condor recovery efforts, said, “All seven chicks are eating and sleeping well in their nests. They’re tiny now, but they’re already growing quickly and learning from their parents.”

In 1982, there were just 22 condors in the wild. By 1987, the last condors were taken under human care in an attempt to save the species from extinction.

Over 140 chicks have hatched at the Center since 2003, while over 100 birds have gone out to field pens for release from the Oregon Zoo.

The seven new chicks will stay with their parents for at least eight months, then moveo move to pre-release pens for about a year.

The condors will eventually travel to a wild-release site to join free-flying condors in California and Arizona.

Several eggs laid by Oregon Zoo condors have also been placed in wild nests to hatch. Ongoing support from Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, the Avangrid Foundation, and donations to the Oregon Zoo Foundation help fund upgrades and new equipment at the Jonsson Center, making the Center’s important work possible.