#559 “Quiet One”
Sex: Male
Hatch Location & Date: LA Zoo, 4/12/2010
Release Date: 1/6/2012
Parents: #138 and #84
Breeding Status: Paired with Pinnacles Condor #543
Offspring: #901
Deceased: 12/30/2019, Necropsy Pending
Quiet One had a rough-and-tumble introduction to life in the wild when he was released in Big Sur after almost two years of living in the Los Angeles Zoo. Just minutes after he took his first steps as a free condor, he encountered a golden eagle, which quickly showed him who was boss. Golden eagles are one of a variety of species of scavengers that condors coexist with at feeding sites. Although condors are larger than golden eagles, golden eagles are more aggressive and have sharp talons that can do severe damage, resulting in golden eagles getting first priority at a carcass. Quiet One got through his first tangle without any serious injury and spent his first months in the wild close to the release site.
As he matured, Quiet One explored both the Big Sur coastline and Pinnacles National Park, keeping company with other birds around his age. He happens to be a very handsome condor, keeping his long primary feathers well-preened and in good condition. These good looks helped him when it was time to pick a mate, and he paired with the lovely Pinnacles condor #543. He and #543 pulled a fast one on biologists and raised a chick (#901) without biologist being aware till this chick was almost fledged!
In December of 2019 we noticed 2019 displaying symptoms of lead poisoning. He was quickly trapped and rushed to the LA Zoo for emergency treatment. The talented staff of veterinarians and keepers worked for several weeks but unfortunately, despite their best efforts, he died on December 30.
As he matured, Quiet One explored both the Big Sur coastline and Pinnacles National Park, keeping company with other birds around his age. He happens to be a very handsome condor, keeping his long primary feathers well-preened and in good condition. These good looks helped him when it was time to pick a mate, and he paired with the lovely Pinnacles condor #543. He and #543 pulled a fast one on biologists and raised a chick (#901) without biologist being aware till this chick was almost fledged!
In December of 2019 we noticed 2019 displaying symptoms of lead poisoning. He was quickly trapped and rushed to the LA Zoo for emergency treatment. The talented staff of veterinarians and keepers worked for several weeks but unfortunately, despite their best efforts, he died on December 30.
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