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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