Green Options

Did you know there are only 358 critically endangered California condors left?

In 1980, the wild population of California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) was thought to consist of just five breeding pairs. In 1987, the species became extinct in the wild when the last wild California condors were taken into captivity to become part of a captive breeding program - the only way to save the species.

Today, thanks to that decision to start a captive breeding program, 189 California condors are flying free and 169 are in captivity. To help raise awareness for these majestic birds, here is a compilation of incredible California condor facts and a photo gallery of some of the most unusual faces you’ve ever seen. Enjoy!

Vultures! One of the environment’s most necessary - but often overlooked - creatures.

Today is International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD09), and I’m participating in IVAD’s blog festival - “Blog for Vultures” - with a list of 16 cool facts about these amazing birds.

Condors are native to California, and their numbers there are dropping, but San Diego Zoo is sponsoring a condor reintroduction programme based in Colombia.