3 condors from Oregon Zoo released in Southwest
condor 11 (Tama) at the Oregon Zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation. Tama is the star of the show, with plenty of fire and spunk. She was captured from the wild in 1985 as part of an operation to save the California condor population, which was estimated at only 17 birds remaining in the wild.
Coming from the wild, Tama is extremely valuable as a breeding founder bird. During her time in the captive-rearing program, Tama has laid numerous eggs and successfully raised many chicks. It is important for baby condors to have strong role models, because chicks pattern their behavior after adults. Tama�s experience in the wild allows her to teach her chicks how to survive once they are released.
Tama is also known for her dominant personality and the way she throws her weight around. She has built a reputation as a girl who likes her space. She never shies from conflict with other female birds, and usually comes out victorious.
by Associated Press
kgw.com
Posted on November 4, 2010 at 8:20 AM
Updated
Thursday, Nov 4 at 8:23 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Three California condors hatched and raised at the Oregon Zoo have been released to the wild in Arizona and California, with two more to follow.
One of the endangered birds was released at the Vermilion Cliffs Monument and the other two were released in California last month.
Zoo officials say California condors help clean up the environment as scavengers and are part of the nation's cultural and historical heritage.
Condors are the largest land birds in North America and have wingspans of up to 10 feet and weigh 18 to 30 pounds.
Just 22 condors remained in the wild in 1987 and all were captured for a breeding program that has increased their population to 185 released in Arizona, California and Mexico.
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