Enormous Birds at the Brink of Extinction Need Protection Against Lead Ammo and Misconceptions
UPDATE: The California Condor sanctuary in Big Sur that acted as a feeding, blood-testing, tagging, and release site has burned down due to California's recent Lightning Complex Fires. Ventana Wildlife Society needs help to rebuild this unique $500,000 sanctuary for critical work that directly helps this Critically Endangered Species come back from the brink of Extinction.
You can donate directly to Ventana Wildlife Society OR you can buy one of my eco-friendly prints, which 50% of the profit will go directly to VWS and you will have a sweet print at home. The first two images are available and come directly from the sanctuary that burned down. More information and print orders at the bottom of this page.
Synopsis:
California Condors are North America's biggest bird species, flying or otherwise. They are also one of the world's rarest birds; a Critically Endangered species. The last two wild California Condors were taken out of the wild in 1987 to join the remaining 25 captive individuals in a mass effort to repopulate the species. Conservation organizations, AZA accredited zoos, and public support in all, and two decades later... wild California Condors unabashedly roam Central California's skies again. However, the battle is far from over. The main threat to the sky giants was, and continues to be, lead poisoning. Lead fragments from exploded bullets are found in the carrion they eat, which travels into their blood stream and, if without intervention from biologists, eventually kills them. Biologists are able to track and monitor their health them thanks to GPS devices that are plainly seen attached to their enormous wings.
You can donate directly to Ventana Wildlife Society OR you can buy one of my eco-friendly prints, which 50% of the profit will go directly to VWS and you will have a sweet print at home. The first two images are available and come directly from the sanctuary that burned down. More information and print orders at the bottom of this page.
Synopsis:
California Condors are North America's biggest bird species, flying or otherwise. They are also one of the world's rarest birds; a Critically Endangered species. The last two wild California Condors were taken out of the wild in 1987 to join the remaining 25 captive individuals in a mass effort to repopulate the species. Conservation organizations, AZA accredited zoos, and public support in all, and two decades later... wild California Condors unabashedly roam Central California's skies again. However, the battle is far from over. The main threat to the sky giants was, and continues to be, lead poisoning. Lead fragments from exploded bullets are found in the carrion they eat, which travels into their blood stream and, if without intervention from biologists, eventually kills them. Biologists are able to track and monitor their health them thanks to GPS devices that are plainly seen attached to their enormous wings.
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Behind the story: One of the adult California Condors sits calmly in wait to be blood tested. Most condors have been through this routine many times, so know how to handle the situation. They are extremely intelligent and it shows in their patience. It's kind of comical.
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Behind the story: A juvenile California Condor gets released after passing the lead poisoning blood test and is seen coming in for a landing over the Santa Lucia Mountains, deep within the Ventana Wilderness. Juveniles have black heads as opposed to the time-tested adults who sport sunset colors.
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Other Images
Print orders options:
-Please specify 1 or 2 or both.
-One eco-friendly 8" x 12" gallery print is $150.00.
-One eco-friendly 12" x 18" gallery print is $200.00.
In order to expedite funds to Ventana Wildlife Society as fast as possible, payment can be made by either Venmo or PayPal.
The print may take 2 - 3 weeks to deliver. Thank you for your valuable contribution!
-Please specify 1 or 2 or both.
-One eco-friendly 8" x 12" gallery print is $150.00.
-One eco-friendly 12" x 18" gallery print is $200.00.
In order to expedite funds to Ventana Wildlife Society as fast as possible, payment can be made by either Venmo or PayPal.
The print may take 2 - 3 weeks to deliver. Thank you for your valuable contribution!