Ventana Wildlife Society protects and conserves habitats across the Central Coast. From wild releases to capturing injured birds, these critical sanctuaries ensure that the condors and other native wildlife are protected in perpetuity. Caring for critically endangered condors and their habitats through these sanctuaries is made possible through the lasting legacy of our generous donors. Learn more about our Legacy Society.
Big Sur Condor Sanctuary - Rebuild Updates
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The Dolan Fire destroyed the Condor's Big Sur Sanctuary
In August of 2020, we watched as the Dolan Fire moved through the Condor Sanctuary in Big Sur destroying all structures in its wake including our Condor Release Facility. Though catastrophic at the time, we chose to keep our eye on the future and focus on the creation of a new and improved version of this critically needed structure. We wish to thank major donors Vinod Khosla, William Hearst III, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Hind Foundation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Santa Cruz Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Monterey County Fire Relief Fund, and the 1,500+ individuals who are making rebuilding possible. The Latest...
Our building plans for the Research Facility / Bunkhouse were approved and construction will begin this fall, followed by a planned break for the rainy winter season to complete the project in spring 2023. The new Condor Release Facility has been under construction since May with new photos added here periodically. We look forward to having this facility back in action and it won’t be long now! Please Note: We moved the live-streaming Condor Cam and lead-free clean food station for the condors during construction. |
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Big Sur Condor
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San Simeon Condor
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Lake Nacimiento Bald Eagle SanctuaryDESCRIPTION: This sanctuary protects 80 acres of open woodland and shoreline along Lake Nacimiento in northern San Luis Obispo County. Tall pines and close proximity to the lake provide excellent nesting and feeding habitat for Bald Eagles.
STATUS: We purchased the property in 2006 to protect nesting eagles, thanks to Bill and Sally Irving, who generously donated the majority of the land's value as a gift, and Cal and Letty French, who provided the funding to cover the cash portion of the purchase. HIGHLIGHTS: In 1995, a Bald Eagle pair began nesting at the sanctuary, becoming one of the first in the recovered central California population to breed. Vertical Divider
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Ventana Wildlife Society recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of the land over which the condor flies, and the enduring relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories such as the Esselen in Big Sur and the Salinan in San Simeon and Lake Nacimiento, where our wildlife sanctuaries exist today.
We're proud to protect these properties as sanctuaries for condors, eagles, and other native wildlife.
They are not open to the general public.
We're proud to protect these properties as sanctuaries for condors, eagles, and other native wildlife.
They are not open to the general public.
