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For Immediate Release:
December 22, 2008
Big Sur, California

Biologists locate dead Condor Chick in Big Sur

Biologists from Ventana Wildlife Society’s condor recovery project in Big Sur made a grim discovery on Sunday, December 21. They found the lifeless body of a wild California Condor chick lying in thick brush beneath a tall stand of redwoods, only one half mile from it’s coastal nest site. The wild male chick, known as #475, was recently observed making short flights in the nest area, which is normal behavior for a nine-month old condor.

Condor #475 was wearing a radio tag that alerted biologists there was trouble when it began emitting a mortality signal on the morning of December 21. VWS Biologists, Mike Tyner and Jessica Koning, tracked the signal through thick brush into a very steep coastal ravine and finally located the chick lying motionless on the ground. Condor #475 will be
examined more closely at San Diego Zoo’s Pathology Lab. The cause of death is unknown at this time.

Condor #475 is one of three wild chicks produced by the condor flock in Big Sur this year. The other two surviving wild chicks, #470 and #477, continue to grow strong and are a little further along in development. “It’s always very difficult to lose such a young condor like #475. We really wish all of the chicks could make it”, commented Joe Burnett,
Ventana Wildlife Society Sr. Wildlife Biologist.

Last year the Big Sur flock produced two wild condor chicks and one survived, which is expected naturally, a 50% survival rate for condor chicks in the wild. This year three chicks were raised in wild nests and two are still alive. Kelly Sorenson, Executive Director said, “While the loss of a wild chick is never easy, we still feel very fortunate to have two of the three chicks surviving in the wild this year.” Ventana Wildlife Society biologists believe that there could be as many as four wild condor chicks just in Big Sur in 2009. The condor population reached an all-time low of 22 in 1982. Through captive breeding and subsequent releases, the total condor population now stands at 326. In central California, there are 47 free-flying condors (3 of which are wild-born).

Ventana Wildlife Society
www.ventanaws.org
831-455-9514

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 5, 2008
BIG SUR / MONTEREY, CA

Biologists Rescue Lead-poisoned California Condor in Big Sur

On September 5, 2008 Condor Biologists from Ventana Wildlife Society and Pinnacles National Monument rescued a four-year-old female condor named 336 that was suffering from lead poisoning. Biologists were alerted on Tuesday September 2nd by a local Big Sur resident that condor 336 was exhibiting unusual behavior near their residence. Biologists arrived on scene and discovered 336 was very ill and needed medical attention. Biologists attempted capture for 3 days following her discovery. On the morning of September 5th, biologists finally succeeded in capturing 336. Upon recovery, 336 was in critical condition and immediately rushed for treatment at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic in Monterey. Following examination, 336 was found to have a very elevated blood-lead level and was extremely underweight. She was given intravenous fluids and a dose of Calcium EDTA to counteract the lead poisoning. Due to 336’s critical health status, she was transferred to the Los Angeles Zoo for intensive care. Despite the heroic efforts of the condor biologists responsible for her rescue and the veterinarian staff treating her, there is no guarantee for her survival.

Ventana Wildlife Society Senior Biologist, Joe Burnett, commented: “Lead-poisoning is always difficult to witness firsthand for any wild condor, 336 is fighting for her life and we’re doing everything we can to save her”

“336 has been in the wild over three years and has become an integral member of the Central California Condor flock, her loss would be devastating to our recovery efforts”

Ventana Wildlife Society Biologist, Sayre Flannagan who was first on scene during the rescue of 336 commented: “336 was shaking and very weak when I found her. I was very relieved that we finally captured her, but my biggest worry was that she might die in my arms.”

In 1987 the last free-flying California condor was captured from the wild and an extensive recovery effort was initiated to save this species from extinction. Ventana Wildlife Society's Species Recovery Program started releasing condors in Big Sur in 1997. Ventana Wildlife Society and National Parks Service began collaborating on condor releases at Pinnacles National Monument in 2003 and now they co-monitor a population of 41 wild condors in central California. Ventana Wildlife Society, the only non-profit releasing condors in California, works in collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife Service, California State Fish and Game, USDA Forest Service, and the National Parks Service.  

Lead from spent ammunition has been documented as a source of exposure in free-flying California Condors and no other source has been identified. In the lead poisoning case of Condor 336, the source of exposure has not been identified. In California, lead ammunition is prohibited in condor range after a new law was passed on July 1, 2008. As lead ammunition is our primary concern, Ventana Wildlife Society respectfully requests that all hunters use nonlead ammunition when hunting in condor range. It is not only better for wildlife, but it safer for you and your family as well due to the tendency of lead ammunition to fragment upon impact.

Contacts:
Joe Burnett, Senior Wildlife Biologist
Kelly Sorenson, Executive Director
831-455-9514

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 23, 2008
BIG SUR / MONTEREY, CA
COAST GUARD HELPS RESCUE CONDORS FROM BIG SUR FIRE

High in the hills above Big Sur, eight captive California condors went about their day yesterday as usual, playing with each other, preening, and practicing flight maneuvers – unaware of the wildfire nearby. A lightening strike to a canyon just south of Big Sur  ignited the Gallery Fire around 1:00 PM Saturday afternoon. Mature vegetation fueled the blaze through the Los Padres wilderness.

The condors are part of a reintroduction program administrated by the Ventana Wildlife Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to species recovery, habitat conservation, and research. The condor release site in Big Sur is used to prepare captive born condors for  life in the wild.

This year, a newly built aviary at the site is home for seven juveniles and Hoi, a captive-raised adult male condor that mentors youngsters, teaching them social etiquette and survival skills. With only 315 California condors in existence, fewer than half living in 
the wild, these 8 birds are invaluable to the species’ future.

By Sunday morning, the fire was shifting directions and gaining ground. The call was made to evacuate the condors. By that time however, Highway 1 had been closed and all road access to the condor site was shut down. The only way to rescue these valuable animals was by helicopter.

With fire resources spread thin, tending to the near 600 blazes in California, the Ventana Wildlife Society called on the US Coast Guard for help. By noon, a crew had been assigned to the mission and they awaited the final go-ahead. Shortly thereafter the Governor’s Office and State Office of Emergency Services contacted the Coast Guard 
approving the rescue of the endangered animals. The race was on – a race against the fire, the weather, and daylight.

By 3:45, the first leg of the operation was underway. A team of three from Ventana Wildlife Society boarded the Coast Guard helicopter at Monterey Jet Center airfield. Their plan was to be dropped off on the mountaintop above the condor facility, hike in, catch and confine the birds, then shuttle each one by ATV, back to the rendezvous area.

Joe Burnett, senior wildlife biologist for the condor program led the rescue team. Joining him was Mike Tyner and Henry Bonifas. In over ninety degree temperature the team made its way down the dirt road toward the condors – a three-mile trek. Ash floated down around them. An eerie silence fell over the canyon.

Over three hours passed before the first group of condors was airlifted out of danger. With limited space on board, there was just enough room to squeeze in five animal crates, each holding a precious condor.

Back at the airfield, a team from the Pinnacles Condor Program awaited. All eight condors would be transported to Pinnacles National Monument to be housed in their condor enclosures. Ventana Wildlife Society and Pinnacles have collaborated on condor recovery since 2003.

Thanks to the tremendous effort by the US Coast Guard, by day’s end, the remaining condors, along with their weary rescuers, landed safely out of harms way. As of today, June 23, 2008 all eight condors were safely transferred to the Pinnacles National Monument and are doing well. They will be released there later this year.

With the condors in their new home, thoughts are now focusing on the fate of Ventana Wildlife Society’s condor release site and the condition of the three wild condor chicks in Big Sur that may have survived the devastation. The group is seeking assistance, by boat or air, or financial contribution to help. Anyone interested in assisting the condor program should call Executive Director, Kelly Sorenson at 831-455-9514.

http://www.ventanaws.org

California’s only not-for-profit releasing and managing condors in California, Ventana Wildlife Society is working hard to restore this magnificent species to the wild through direct, hands-on recovery, advocacy, and research. Ventana Wildlife Society is proud to partner with many governmental and other non-governmental organizations such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Pinnacles National Monument, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Fish and Game, Los Angeles Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, USDA Forest Service and others.

For Immediate Release
June 22, 2008
Gallery Fire threatens Eight Endangered California Condors
EVACUATION IN PROGRESS
At the Ventana Wildlife Society's condor release site in remote Big
Sur, seven juvenile condors and one adult await rescue from their
holding pen. These birds are part of a condor reintroduction program
administrated by the Ventana Wildlife Society. Since the mandatory
evacuation of Partington Ridge and Coast Road, the fire has forced
closure of Highway 1 and all road access to the facility. The only
other option is to helicopter the birds out. The U. S. Coast Guard
has been contacted to assist.

The Gallery Fire, first reported Saturday June 21 around 1:00 PM,
started in the Torre Canyon area south of Grimes Point, east of Hwy 1
in Big Sur. Lightening is the suspected cause.

CONTACT:
Kelly Sorenson
Executive Director
Ventana Wildlife Society
831-455-9514

For Immediate Release
December 7, 2007

Fish and Game Commission Adopts New Regulations Requiring Nonlead Ammunition

The Fish and Game Commission voted 3-1 today to adopt new hunting
regulations for big game, nongame birds, and nongame mammals throughout
condor range in California requiring nonlead ammunition. The new
regulations are nearly the same as the recently passed bill, AB 821,
except for two significant differences which protect condors further.

First, the new regulations state that it is unlawful to possess lead
ammunition in condor range while taking (shooting) or attempting to take
game covered by the new regulations. This offers more protection than
what the new law, AB 821, gives because the latter only states that it is
unlawful to use lead ammunition while taking game. The enforcement of the
new regulations should be more realistic given that it rests with
possession and not just in the act of taking game.

Second, and this one was truly unexpected, the Commission did not exempt
.22 caliber, or smaller, projectiles from the new regulations. The new
Fish and Game Code 3004.5 that was enacted due to the passage of AB 821
exempts .22 caliber ammunition because nonlead varieties do not currently
exist on the market. The Commission felt that by requiring nonlead
ammunition for ALL ammunition, including .22 caliber, that the market will
adjust and that this was the most appropriate course of action to protect
condors.

What a pleasant surprise! We applaud the Fish and Game Commission's
decision and believe that they are correct. We also recognize that
without Pedra Nava's leadership (author of AB 821) that his efforts likely
helped to persuade the Commissioners to adopt these new regulations.

"It is indeed a precedent for any state to pass law or hunting regulation
in the nation prohibiting centerfire, rifle ammunition made of lead. What
is truly remarkable is that California also prohibits .22 caliber in
certain areas also." remarked Kelly Sorenson, Executive Director of
Ventana Wildlife Society.

Lead poisoning accounts for the greatest threat to free-flying condors.
Many condor experts testify that without these changes there is no hope
for condors to survive on their own. The new law and regulations together
not only should protect condors but other species of scavenging birds as
well. We are moved by these recent changes and look to a brighter future.

Ventana Wildlife Society
Press Release
September 14, 2007

Why the Governor should sign AB 821 into law

Hunters are conservationists and have a proud heritage. The few animals that do get away after being shot and lost in the field, are left behind for condors which would benefit them except that these carcasses contain poisonous lead ammunition fragments.  I say let hunters continue to maintain their conservation tradition, but if they can't switch to non-lead ammunition on their own the Governor should lead them to do so. No one is trying to take away hunting, only the NRA and the gun lobby makes this ridiculous claim. 

In California, 12 condors have died from lead poisoning, making it the most significant source of condor mortality. As a member of the California Condor Recovery Team, I help to test wild-flying condors for lead poisoning. In the fall immediately following deer hunting season, blood lead levels in condors rise significantly higher than any other time of year. We have recovered lead fragments, pellets, and whole projectiles from the digestive systems of dead condors.

In 2005, I trapped condor 208, a female whose blood test showed a lead level of 1.70 parts per million – 17 times higher than the recommended not-to-exceed level in humans. After rehabilitation at the Los Angeles Zoo, this condor was released and went on to hatch the first chick in the Ventana Wilderness in over 100 years. Our intervention in this and many other cases is all that is keeping condors in the wild. But this kind of intensive management would not be necessary if we could get the lead out of the condor’s habitat.

Lead ammunition has a tendency to fragment into hundreds of pieces upon impact and it should also be of concern for hunters that provide game meat to their families. Lead is toxic; we've banned it from our gasoline and our paint. It doesn't make sense to pump it into the environment in the form of bullets.

There is no hope for condors until non-lead ammunition becomes more widely used throughout their range. The governor now has a unique opportunity to make that happen, by signing A.B. 821 into law. Signing this bill, which would require the use of non-toxic, non-lead ammunition throughout the condor’s range, would show that Governor Schwarzenegger is truly an environmental leader, and not beholden to the gun lobby.

The hunting community has a long-standing tradition of conservation, and should be embracing the use of widely available non-lead ammunition. Barnes Bullets, the leading manufacturer of non-lead ammunition, produces 137 different projectiles for 74 cartridges. The National Rifle Association awarded Barnes Bullets their “Golden Bullseye Award” for best new product of the year for their most recent non-lead variety, the MRX (Maximum Range).
 
Non-lead ammunition is gaining widespread support in the hunting community; two military and national guard bases, Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts, both popular hunting areas, have already phased out the use of lead bullets in hunting big-game, specifically because of the danger lead poses to condors and the environment. The largest private hunting preserve in the state, the Tejon Ranch, has also banned lead in big-game hunting.

The rights of hunters are not affected by replacing toxic lead ammunition with better choices. Regardless of whether the governor signs A.B. 821 into law, hunters will still hunt. But if the use of lead ammunition is continued in condor range, we will lose one of the most magnificent species of birds in the world. Voluntary efforts have been in effect for 10 years and they do not work. By signing this bill into law, the Governor is helping hunters to lead in the solution while also protecting the condor. 

Kelly Sorenson is the executive director of the Ventana Wildlife Society and a member of the California Condor Recovery Team.

Ventana Wildlife Society
Press Release
May 16, 2007

The first wild-hatched California condor in Big Sur’s Ventana Wilderness in 100 years receives life-saving West Nile Virus Vaccine:
Enter a contest to name the baby condor

On May 11, 2007, Biologists were dropped off by helicopter at the remote nesting location of a condor pair in Big Sur, CA.  Biologists, Joe Burnett and Joseph Brandt, then rappelled 100 feet down a cliff face to the nest cave to get the first look at the month old condor chick (photos and video available upon request).  This is the first chick wild-hatched in the Big Sur, Ventana Wilderness, in over 100 years.  This was there first look at the chick since hatching from the egg on April 8, 2007 (Easter Sunday).  Once inside the cave, biologists conducted a brief health check on the chick and administered a West Nile Virus Vaccine.  At least one condor that was not vaccinated in time died from West Nile Virus, so this was a very important life-saving step in preserving the health of the wild chick. 

A small blood sample was taken from the chick and will be tested for lead toxicity.  The condor parents could inadvertently poison the young chick with lead during a routine feeding.   Lead poisoning is the leading cause of mortality in wild condors.  Condors ingest lead by feeding on deer, pig and other carcasses containing spent lead ammunition.  A small fragment of a lead bullet can kill a condor.  Assembly member Pedro Nava D-Santa Barbara, introduced AB 821which seeks to require hunters to use widely available nonlead ammunition in the condor range in California   The bill just recently passed the Assembly and will now be heard in the Senate.  The chick, which is now 38 days old, will leave the cave and take its first flight at approximately 5-6 months in age.  The chick will stay with its parents until a year and half in age.   

Senior Wildlife Biologist, Joe Burnett, commented on the chick:
"This was my first good look at the chick (we can’t actually see into the cave from the ground) and I was very impressed by the chick’s size (about the size of a chicken) and overall great health…Mom and dad are definitely keeping this chick well fed.”

“To me, my newborn son represents hope for my future and I imagine this chick also represents hope for this pair of condors and indeed anyone in the world who cares about wildlife conservation.”

“This chick is not out of the clear and still has some big hurdles to overcome.” 
  
Assembly member Pedro Nava is sponsoring a new website, www.savethecondor.com to educate the public on the problem with lead and condors and creates opportunities to support the bill and help support the condor chicks in the wild.  On this website there is also a “name the baby condor contest” where the public can enter a name of their choice to name this chick.  The winner will get to see condors in the wild.  For video and photos of the chicks and to receive email updates on the chick’s progress you can go to www.ventanaws.org

“It is truly an honor that Assembly member Pedro Nava is so supportive of condors in the wild and I can’t thank him enough for everything that he is doing,” said Kelly Sorenson.

In 1987 the last free-flying California condor was captured from the wild and an intensive recovery effort was initiated to save this species from extinction.   Ventana Wildlife Society's Species Recovery Program started releasing condors in Big Sur in 1997 and in conjunction with the National Park Service at Pinnacles National Monument in 2003.  Today there are 285 condors living, with 148 in captivity and 137 in the wild.  Ventana Wildlife Society, the only non-profit releasing condors in California, works in collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife Service, California State Fish and Game, National Parks Service, Santa Barbara Zoo and the USDA Forest Service as well as the captive breeding institutions of San Diego Wild Animal Park, Los Angeles Zoo, Oregon Zoo, and the Peregrine Fund.

***

Ventana Wildlife Society Contacts:
Kelly Sorenson, Executive Director
Joe Burnett, Senior Wildlife Biologist

Ventana Wildlife Society
19045 Portola Drive Suite F-1
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 455-9514

Download a PDF of the May 16, 2007 press release.