Attend this Exclusive Monterey Bay Premiere of
Ventana Wildlife Society's award-winning series of short films
Ventana Wildlife Society's award-winning series of short films
• December 10, 2022,
• 3:30PM - 5:30PM (PT) Showing starts at 4:00PM • Lighthouse Cinemas, Pacific Grove • Tickets in-person $25 | livestream option $10 |
Director, Ross Thomas
Director Statement
Director StatementFor as long as I can remember, I have been captivated and inspired by the wilderness and the creatures that call it home. When immersed in nature, I see a symphony of perfection within the biodiversity of the landscape. Everything appears to be doing the exact job it was designed for. Yet, somehow the scale has been unfavorably tipped by our constant need to fulfill our own singular desires without consideration for the irreparable consequences on nature. This knowledge that my species has caused so much destruction on this planet has plagued me with guilt. However, rather than stand idle and dwell on this tragedy, I’ve made the conscious decision to be a part of the solution. To stand up for the voiceless creatures who live in the last truly wild places on earth. As a father, I have vowed to do my part, so my children and generations to come can witness the majesty of the great outdoors. Living on the central coast of California has provided me the opportunity to be exposed to some truly magnificent wild places. One that has always stood out and been a deep part of my being is Big Sur. This spectacular, rugged coastline has an unparalleled allure that keeps me coming back. Rich with history and diversity of wildlife, this coastal, mountainous oasis is one of California’s great treasures. It’s here, where the California Condor, North America’s largest land bird, makes its home. A critical scavenger, the condor was once abundant on this coast; a bird considered sacred to the Esselen and Rumsen Ohlone tribes of the area. After learning that the last wild California Condor was taken from the wild in 1987 for a captive breeding program, I wanted to know more. What happened to this once common species and who were the people fighting to bring them back from the brink of extinction? My research led me to the Ventana Wildlife Society, a non-profit organization founded in 1977, committed to conserving native wildlife and their habitats. This team of wildlife biologists and experts were a vital part of re-introducing California Condors back into the wild on the Big Sur coast. As a filmmaker, I felt this story needed to be told to educate, inspire and help spread awareness around this noble and critical cause. In collaboration with Mike Buffo of House of 8 Media, we set out to tell the stories of the Big Sur condors and the people tirelessly working to ensure their survival as a species. These stories have touched my heart and called me to action. I hope they do the same for you. Enjoy the film! credits
screenings | awards
Screenings | Awards
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GIANTS OF BIG SUR:
California Condor Stories Go behind the scenes with Wilderness Documentarian Ross Thomas as he learns the amazing and inspiring stories of the critically endangered California condor. Ross meets the Ventana Wildlife Society experts who have been working with the local community to restore these majestic giants to the wild Big Sur coast since 1997.
Ross’s epic journey begins with a once in a lifetime visit with Senior Wildlife Biologist Joe Burnett to a wild condor’s nest deep in the Big Sur wilderness. Ross witnesses the intimate interaction between a condor parent and its new chick in the crown of a giant redwood tree. Ross then travels with Joe to see the Condor’s Big Sur sanctuary, which was destroyed by the Dolan Fire in 2020. Joe shares rare archival footage of the 2008 Basin Complex fire that burned most of the Big Sur wilderness. We see Ventana Wildlife Society biologists climb a burned redwood tree to save baby condor, Phoenix. Later, we meet Iniko, who captured the world’s heart during the Dolan Fire. We learn the stories of the condors and their incredible resiliency in the face of huge adversity. Through experiencing the work of Ventana Wildlife Society, Ross comes to understand the greatest threat to condors is not wildfire but rather, lead ammunition. Ross meets Mike Stake, Non-Lead Ammunition Program Manager, who takes him to meet with a rancher in a key condor area to better understand these complex issues. The film concludes with a call to action of how we can all help these magnificent giants. |
PAST EVENTS
2021 Feathers Online Auction Event
four zoom event recordings
Special Event Live-Zoom-Chats - Recorded
• Event Kick-Off with Condor Joe and the Oakland Zoo. Recorded Sept 4
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• Vultures in Volumes with Senior Biologist, Mike Stake. Recorded Sept 7
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• Big Sur Condor Sanctuary Tour with Executive Director Kelly Sorenson and Joe Burnett. Watch the wildfire clean-up in progress and view the location from angles not shown on the condor-cam. Recorded Sept 9.
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• A Photo finish! with staff members Cathy Hamilton and Joan Biddle, presenting the photo submissions from the 23Vultures Photo Challenge. Recorded Sept 12
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23vulture challenge results
Where in the world do 23 Vulture species live?
Check out the map below for a quick snapshot or visit our Vultures of the World page. |
SUPPORTERS AND IN-KIND DONATIONS
Thank you to our 2021 Sponsors and In-Kind Donors
Please help show your support to our community partners throughout the year!
Please help show your support to our community partners throughout the year!
2020 Feathers Online Auction Event
zoom recordings, including THE LA ZOO with Mike clark and a King vulture and ca condor, DOLLY
Virtual 2020 Feathers Zoom
Recorded September 5, 2020 Watch the recorded video of our Feathers Zoom, where Condor Joe gave a detailed update on the condor chicks before we heard from Mike Clark with the Los Angeles Zoo who was joined by Dolly, a California Condor and a King Vulture. He talked about the condor breeding program at the zoo and shared with us the beauty of Cacique, the King Vulture, who Mike personally hatched 30 years ago! (run time 1:04:20) |
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Condor Zoom-Chat
Recorded August 27, 2020 Watch the recorded video of our monthly zoom-chat where Condor Joe gave a detailed update on the Dolan Fire and how it affected the condors. He spent additional time answering more questions and Mike Stake introduced the 23 species of vultures in the world. (run time 1:18:14) |
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a special address from les lo baugh, jr
Les Lo Baugh, Jr. - Mr. Lo Baugh drafted the Endangered Species Act, followed by the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act which in turn led to the formation of the EPA; all of which took place during the Nixon administration. Literally millions of animals, plants and fishes can attribute their survival as specific species to the protection given to them by the federal statutes initiated by Mr. Lo Baugh.
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a recorded mini concert - dave holodiloff
Monterey Bay's own, Dave Holodiloff - Scheduled to perform at our 2020 Feathers in Flight in-person event, Dave has put together a special outside session overlooking the beautiful Monterey, California, for us to share with our online event guests. We hope you enjoy this beautiful performance!
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2020 AUCTION items
Private Falconry Experience
Black Feather Necklace - created by designer Micheal Aram Steller's Jay Silk Chiffon Scarf "Big Wave" - 3'x6' Painting on Canvas Behind the Condor Scene at the Oakland Zoo Raptors of San Benito County 2-Night Stay at See Breeze Inn and Cottages, Pacific Grove CA A print of a Tim Huntington photo of your choice Travis Hall Fine Art - Hurricane Point Photo on Canvas, 40"x60" Allen's Hummingbird Silk Chiffon Scarf Bernardus Winery - 4 Pack of Limited Production Magnums Sierra Hot Springs Resort and Retreat Iniko and Redwood Queen painting, 9"x12" Series of 3 Condor Prints on Metal 12 Carved Soapstone Mini Boxes Hand Carved Wooden Hummingbird - Blue Mount Herman Redwood Canopy Tour for 2 Vulture Vase Set of 6 Hand Sewn Fabric Animals From Uganda Hand Carved Wooden Hummingbirds - Red 2 Framed Vulture Prints Dinner for 2 at The Bench, Pebble Beach Hahn Family Wines - ATV Tasting Tour for 2 Passionfish gift certificate, Pacific Grove CA VWS merchandise, 10SPAN wine, Nothing Bundt Cake gift card Annie Glass - 15" Large Salad Bowl Nepenthe Restaurant gift certificate, Big Sur CA Peter H Ring Limited Edition Engraving - Framed Barred Owl Carved Agate Stone and Onyx Vulture Ruth Bancroft Seashell Collection Float like Sea Otters on a Double Kayak, Monterey/Moss Landing Wood Carved Vulture Figurine Kraftwerk - Electronic Music Band Box Set Hand Carved Bird Mobile The Sardine Factory gift certificate, Monterey CA Morgan Winery - 2017 Twelve Clones Pinot Noir (3 bottles) Earrings as light as Butterfly Wings Vulture Print Art Rosine's Restaurant gift certificate, Monterey CA Go Pro Blue Embroidered Purse from Thailand Morgan Winery - 2015 Highland Chardonnay Magnum Green Embroidered Purse from Thailand Roaring Camp Railroad gift certificate, Felton CA Bread Warmer - "Birds of a Feather" Storrs Winery and Vineyard - Wine Tasting for 4 Hand Sewn Fabric Animal Mobile From Uganda Bella's Sewing Studio - Sewing for 2, Monterey CA Alta Bakery and Cafe gift certificate Nothing Bundt Cake, $50 gift card Black Coach Hand Bag Pier 39 Fun Pack, San Francisco CA Mid Valley Pet Spa gift certificate, Carmel CA Two Egyptian friezes Katy's Place gift certificate, Carmel CA Kraftwerk - Autobahn, 1974 vinyl record Silvestri - 2017 Carmel Valley State Wines Parker-Lusseau Pastries Gift Certificate Amate Bark Light Fixture 49er Hall of Fame Football Golden Festival Set of 2 candle holders Handmade Duct Tape Wallet Jane Goodall Quote and Photo Collage Willie McCovey, SF Giants, Hand Signed Inscribed Baseball Judith Ripka Sterling Silver Bangle with White Sapphires Pele Soccer "Bicycle Kick" Hand Signed Photo Judith Ripka Sterling Silver Drop Necklace in Canary Crystal Sterling Silver Bangle in Canary Crystal Custom Framed Ferrari License Plate Classic Tennis Bracelet Silver Twinkles Twist Crescent Bangle with Swarovski Crystals Custom Framed Leopard Photo Sterling Silver Bangle in Black Onyx and White Topaz Kate Spade Black Crossbody Bag Yellow Gold Plated Crystal Multi Band Cuff TRAVEL PACKAGES: Greece and Greek Islands Odyssey Iceland-Adventures in Ice & Fire Castles of Ireland Tropical Costa Rica for 2 |
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Supporters and In-Kind Donations
Thank you to our 2020 Sponsors and In-Kind Donors
Please help show your support to our community partners throughout the year!
Please help show your support to our community partners throughout the year!