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Preparing for release to the wild on Saturday, October 25th. Bernie (1302) is one of seven new young condors, all approximately 1.5 years old, that arrived at the San Simeon Release Pen September 15. These magnificent birds were transferred from the LA Zoo and have settled into their new temporary home as some of the wild condors are popping by with curiosity and a warm welcome. The new group includes females: 'Alalā (1265), Nēnē (1289), Mōlī (1300), Bernie (1302), Palila (1307), Koloa (1312), and male, Huckleberry (1290).
Bernie (1302) was lovingly named by Condor Keeper Rhiann, at the Los Angeles Zoo, where she hatched. Her arrival into the world was a delicate one — she struggled to hatch on her own, prompting the Rhiann to step in. With great care and patience, she gently helped her emerge, carefully peeling back the shell while waiting for the blood vessels to dry — a critical step to ensure her safety. This was Rhiann's first time hatching (with Mike Clark's assistance of course) a condor, so Bernie's a special one.
Bernie had been positioned upside down inside her egg, making her hatching especially challenging. Thanks to the team’s dedication, she made it out safely and has been thriving ever since.
Now among her fellow condors, Bernie is socially in the middle of the group — calm, steady, and not one to stir up trouble. One thing that stands out: when she’s had a big meal, her crop gets impressively wide!
Fun fact: Bernie (1302), Huckleberry (1290), and Mōlī (1300) were part of a triple brood—they grew up together! We’re thrilled to see them heading into the wild side by side and can’t wait to watch how they interact.
Bernie (1302) was lovingly named by Condor Keeper Rhiann, at the Los Angeles Zoo, where she hatched. Her arrival into the world was a delicate one — she struggled to hatch on her own, prompting the Rhiann to step in. With great care and patience, she gently helped her emerge, carefully peeling back the shell while waiting for the blood vessels to dry — a critical step to ensure her safety. This was Rhiann's first time hatching (with Mike Clark's assistance of course) a condor, so Bernie's a special one.
Bernie had been positioned upside down inside her egg, making her hatching especially challenging. Thanks to the team’s dedication, she made it out safely and has been thriving ever since.
Now among her fellow condors, Bernie is socially in the middle of the group — calm, steady, and not one to stir up trouble. One thing that stands out: when she’s had a big meal, her crop gets impressively wide!
Fun fact: Bernie (1302), Huckleberry (1290), and Mōlī (1300) were part of a triple brood—they grew up together! We’re thrilled to see them heading into the wild side by side and can’t wait to watch how they interact.
