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California Condor Soars Home
As Species Rebounds, Rare Bird Returns to Wild
 Listen to John Nielsen's report.
AC9 has a new assignment: teaching captive-raised birds how to survive in the wild.
Photo: Gene Arias
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AC9 was released in a section of Los Padres National Forest, shown above in dark green, just north of Los Angeles.
Graphic: U.S. Forest Service
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North America's largest bird has a wing span of about 9.5 feet.
See a larger version.
Photo: San Diego Wild Animal Park
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May 1, 2002 -- A California condor nicknamed Igor flew back into the wild today after 15 years spent saving his species. Officially called Adult Condor No. 9, the bird was the last remaining free condor when he was captured in 1987 and sent to the Los Angeles Zoo as part of a multi-organization captive breeding program.
Now, researchers say AC9 has secured his genetic line by fathering 16 offspring, and is ready for his next task: teaching condors raised in captivity how to survive in the wild. The 22-year-old condor, released back into his native habitat in Southern California's Sespe Condor Sanctuary, takes with him three 12-month-old condors. For All Things Considered, NPR's John Nielsen reports from the release site.
Thousands of years ago, the scavenger birds roamed the coasts of North America, from British Columbia to Baja California, over to Florida and up to New York. But by the 20th century, the continent's largest bird was found only in Southern California, its ranks depleted by loss of habitat, hunting, lead poisoning and other toxins.
When AC9 was captured in 1987, the condor population stood at a dismal 27. Thirteen were hatched in captivity and 14 were captured from the wild. Today, the captive breeding and reintroduction program has tripled the population to 185: 104 in captivity, 20 waiting for release, and 61 in the wild.
"AC9 exemplifies the success of the program," says Los Angeles Zoo Director Manuel
Mollinedo. "He did his part by siring offspring, and insuring that his genetic line will be well represented in the total condor population. Now he can mentor younger
birds in the wild. It's a wonderful legacy."
In Depth
 Browse for more NPR stories about California condors.
Other Resources
• Read about the release of AC8 -- AC9's female mate in the wild.
• Get the facts about condors at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Find out current wild and captive condor population numbers at the Los Angeles Zoo.
• Read a short history of California condors.
• Get a glimpse of a condor release site with the Ventana Wilderness Society's condor cam.
• Find out more about the condor conservation program at the Peregrine Fund.
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