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Condor Releases

​209 Young California Condors Released in Central California Since 1997 (10/26/25
  • Big Sur Condor Sanctuary Site | 1997-2014 - released 57 condors
  • Pinnacles National Park Site | 2003-present - released 82 condors
  • ​San Simeon Condor Sanctuary Site | 2015-present - released 70 condors
2025 Condor Release
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SEVEN CONDORS RELEASED
San Simeon, CA - OCTOBER 25, 2025
Wild condor, Bucky (1087) welcomes the seven Rookies with a little lessen in feeding hierarchy. 
Nēnē (1289) and Huckleberry (1290) stood their ground and exhibited a little dominance themselves. When the remaining five figured out the escape - they quickly filed out one after the other. Funny! A few years older than Bucky (1087), Madeline (936) shows a little more poise among the new arrivals.
2024 Condor Release
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SIX CONDORS RELEASED
San Simeon, CA - NOVEMBER 6, 2024
Our 2024 condor "rookies" have joined the free-flying central CA flock! Condor Crew Biologists release this year's cohort of captive bred condors from LA Zoo with help from Los Padres Elementary School's 2nd grade class! Enjoy beautifully created condor art from these students as well! Plus, nesting and population updates on the central CA's free-flying condors.
2023 Condor Releases
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FOUR CONDORS RELEASED
San Simeon, CA  - DECEMBER 12, 2023
As we released the last four condors, second grade students shared their condor artwork and had great questions for the Condor Crew. Special guests also included Chris West, Yurok Condor Restoration Program Manager and Alacia Welch, Condor Program Manager at Pinnacles National Park.
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SIX CONDORS RELEASED
​San Simeon, CA  - November 28, 2023
The Condor Crew released six of the 10 captive raised condors. We were also joined by a middle school class at La Paz Middle School whose students had some questions for the Condor Crew. Plus, catch a sneak peak of some of our favorite clips from our upcoming documentary film, Condor Canyon and more!
2022 Condor Release
FOUR CONDORS RELEASED
San Simeon, CA  - November 5, 2022
​Joe and the Condor Crew provide engaging commentary, beautiful photos, and fun videos. For the first time in our history of condor releases, a condor flies out as soon as the doors open! Stay tuned-in after Joe signs-out for bonus footage of the 2022 condor chicks leaving the pen.
2021 Condor Releases
THREE CONDORS RELEASED (INCLUDING INIKO)
San Simeon, CA - December 4, 2021
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. 
THREE CONDORS RELEASED
San Simeon, CA 
- November 2, 2021
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 squeezing out just before we signed off. ​​
2020 Condor Releases
FIVE CONDORS RELEASED
​San Simeon, CA 
- December 12, 2020
Condor Joe gave a detailed play by play as the remaining five condors were released successfully. 

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FOUR CONDORS RELEASED
​San Simeon, CA 
- November 19, 2020
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. 
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Ventana Wildlife Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. ​​Tax ID# 94-2795935
  • WHO WE ARE
    • Our Story >
      • Our Beginning - Bald Eagles
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Contact Us
    • Employment
    • Wildlife Sanctuaries
    • Annual Reports / Documents
  • CONDORS
    • Condor Overview
    • Biology
    • Bios >
      • My Condor Bios
      • In Memoriam Bios
    • Field Work
    • Live Cams
    • Nesting
    • Releases
    • The Condor Chat
    • Threats
    • Vultures of the World
  • Education
    • Education Overview
    • PUBLIC PROGRAMS >
      • Youth Programs
      • Community Hubs
    • PARTNER PROGRAMS >
      • Teen Watershed Program
      • Educator Support
      • Wellness Through Nature >
        • Nature Coach
      • Salud Y Naturaleza
    • Big Sur Discovery Center
    • SMORE in Big Sur
  • Services
    • Condor Presentations
    • Ecological Services
    • Non-Lead Ammunition
    • Wildlife Data Management Tools
  • Media
    • Condor Films >
      • 2025: Condor Canyon >
        • Order Copy of Condor Canyon
      • 2022: Giants of big Sur
      • Full Collection
    • Condor Chat Podcast
    • Media Coverage
    • Short Clips
    • Top YouTube Videos
  • How You Can Help
    • Donate >
      • Adopt-A-Condor
      • Donate
      • Stewardship Circle
      • Legacy Society
    • Save The Condors
    • Subscribe
    • Supporters
    • Volunteer
    • Your Opinion Matters
  • donate
  • Shop