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Written by San Diego Zoo
Thursday, 28 February 2008
San Diego, California - Volunteer nest monitors are needed to collect California condor nest data during the 2008 season. To participate, you should to be able to commit to regular observation days over the entire six to eight month breeding season and have a suitable vehicle to get you out into the field. Volunteers may also be required to hike and camp in the backcountry to reach nests. Getting the lead out - Last year, half of the 22 California condors at the Baja California, Mexico release site were found to have dangerously high levels of lead in their systems. In an attempt to stave off a massive loss to the gene pool, the birds were transferred to the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park veterinary facility for treatment. Checking up and looking ahead Two California condors sent to the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City last summer are thriving. A three-person team from the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park and US Fish & Wildlife service traveled to Mexico recently to give the birds their annual check-up. In addition to sharing medical information and husbandry protocols, the group met with other conservation team members to discus the next phase of the Chapultepec Zoo's involvement in the California Condor.