In prehistoric times, the endangered California condor ranged from Canada to Mexico. In addition, there is evidence that condors were a resident of the Grand Canyon based on bones, feathers and eggshells found in caves in which they nested. Between the mid- 1880s and 1924, there were scattered reports of condors in Arizona with the last sighting near Williams Arizona in 1924. By the late 1930s, all remaining condors were found only in California and by 1982, the total population had dwindled to just 22 birds.

The only hope was to begin captive breeding of California condors and to initiate reintroduction of the species. Reintroduction of captive bred condors has begun in California, Baja California, Mexico, and in Arizona. With the release of captive-bred birds into thee wild places, there are now over 250 condors in the world, 90 of which are free-flying. Arizona has over 50, and wild reproduction has produced several chicks over the last few years!

During this one-day class on Grand Canyon’s South Rim you will learn about condor natural history, recovery efforts, captive breeding programs, and on-going monitoring.