Two condors released safely as Timber Fire restricts sanctuary access
Ventana Wildlife Society confirms that California condors 868 and 340 are back in the wild after the Timber Fire cut off normal access to its Big Sur sanctuary.
Big Sur • California condor recovery • Timber Fire
Status
Corroborated
Published / reviewed
Chronicle report published Aug. 12 at approximately 4:05 p.m.; Ventana outcome verified Aug. 13 at 6:52 a.m.
Ventana Wildlife Society confirms that California condors 868 and 340 are back in the wild after the Timber Fire cut off normal access to its Big Sur sanctuary.
The birds had recently recovered from lead poisoning at the Oakland and Los Angeles zoos.
Ventana says Condor Program Manager Joe Burnett reached the sanctuary with a CAL FIRE escort Wednesday afternoon and both birds flew off successfully.
The San Francisco Chronicle independently reported the dangerous trip through the fire area.
What readers need to know
Ventana Wildlife Society confirms that California condors 868 and 340 are back in the wild after the Timber Fire cut off normal access to its Big Sur sanctuary. The birds had recently recovered from lead poisoning at the Oakland and Los Angeles zoos. Ventana says Condor Program Manager Joe Burnett reached the sanctuary with a CAL FIRE escort Wednesday afternoon and both birds flew off successfully. The San Francisco Chronicle independently reported the dangerous trip through the fire area. Ventana's Discovery Center at Andrew Molera State Park remains closed until further notice.
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