#470 “Fuego”
Sex: Male
Hatch Location & Date: Big Sur (laid at LA Zoo) 4/12/2008
Release Date: Wild Reared
Offspring: #842
While he was still in his egg, Fuego was transferred from his birthplace at the Los Angeles Zoo to a wild Big Sur nest in a portable incubator. He hatched without a problem, but was rather small for his age and did not seem to grow quickly until he was three months old. At around four months old, he began climbing out of the nest cavity and clumsily exploring the "front porch." His confidence and coordination gradually grew so he could start flying short distances. In June of 2008, the gigantic Basin Complex wildfire engulfed the canyon he was in and approached the cliff-side nest, but never got close enough to harm him. Only months later, a helicopter collided with a nearby power line and caused another fire in the vicinity. After surviving two separate wildfires near his nest area, it was easy to pick Fuego's nickname!
His plucky spirit and spectacular flying skills make him a wonderful addition to the Big Sur flock. Fuego is a very interesting member of our flock as he has been a member of not one, but two different trios! Along with his foster father #204, he first paired with Pinnacles Condor #534. The trio was successfully able to raise #842. Unfortunately shortly after #842 fledged, #534 went missing. The following breeding season #470 and his foster father added another female to their group, #646. They successfully raised #1003, but now it seems that 470 has left the trio in order to search for his own mate.
Fuego and his foster father Amigo are two of the most commonly seen condors on the Big Sur coast. They can often be spotted flying or perched along the cliffs near Grimes Point. If you are lucky enough to see them, please maintain a respectful distance.
His plucky spirit and spectacular flying skills make him a wonderful addition to the Big Sur flock. Fuego is a very interesting member of our flock as he has been a member of not one, but two different trios! Along with his foster father #204, he first paired with Pinnacles Condor #534. The trio was successfully able to raise #842. Unfortunately shortly after #842 fledged, #534 went missing. The following breeding season #470 and his foster father added another female to their group, #646. They successfully raised #1003, but now it seems that 470 has left the trio in order to search for his own mate.
Fuego and his foster father Amigo are two of the most commonly seen condors on the Big Sur coast. They can often be spotted flying or perched along the cliffs near Grimes Point. If you are lucky enough to see them, please maintain a respectful distance.
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