Each year, we release a group of California Condors at the Big Sur or San Simeon sanctuaries along the central coast. Our field staff transports young condors from captive breeding facilities, where they have been raised, to flight pens in the sanctuary where they will be released. They provide food and monitor the birds for at least several weeks in the pen to ensure that they are adjusting to their new environment and are well-prepared for life in the wild. Before being released, the condors are equipped with numbered wing tags and transmitters for identification and tracking in the field.

Condor Releases

12/4/21 CONDOR RELEASE via Zoom-Chat
Iniko (1031) was released back to the wild along with Dian Fossey (1011) and Rachel Carson (1042). Dian was the first to make the move to leave the pen followed by Iniko who quickly displayed dominance over the carcass. ​Recorded December 4, 2021

11/2/21 CONDOR RELEASE via Zoom
Condor Joe and the crew hosted a dual camera live release of three young female condors; Jane Goodall (1019), Jan Hamber (1038), and Rosalie Barrow Edge(1036). Jane was the first to exit and with Rosa and Jan squeezung out just before we signed off. ​​Recorded November 2, 2021

12/12/20 CONDOR RELEASE via Zoom
Condor Joe gave a detailed play by play as the remaining five condors were released in San Simeon. 
​Recorded December 12, 2020

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11/19/20 CONDOR RELEASE via Zoom
Condor Joe gave a detailed play by play as two of four condors fledged in San Simeon. View the rest of the cohort still in the release pen. Recorded November 19, 2020

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