Los Angeles Zoo Breaks Record with 17 ‘Adorable’ California Condor Chicks

Photo byJamie Pham / LA Zoo

In a triumphant twist for wildlife conservation, the Los Angeles Zoo achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024 by hatching a record-breaking 17 California condor chicks. This achievement not only surpasses the zoo’s previous record of 15 chicks set in 1997 but also marks a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to save America’s most giant flying bird from the brink of extinction.

A Record-Breaking Season

With their imposing wingspan and distinctive bald heads, California condors are often described as “ugly-cute,” a label that captures their somewhat awkward yet endearing appearance. This year’s crop of chicks, affectionately dubbed "ugly-cute" by enthusiastic photographers and wildlife fans alike, has been the focus of a flurry of media attention. Photos of these fluffy, beady-eyed newcomers have even made headlines in the LA Times, celebrating their arrival in a way that highlights their charm and the hope they represent for the species.

A handler inspects a California condor hatchling at the Los Angeles Zoo in this undated 2024 photo.Photo byLos Angeles Zoo

Innovative Breeding Techniques

The success of this breeding season can be traced back to the innovative techniques developed by the LA Zoo’s dedicated condor team. For years, the zoo has been at the forefront of condor conservation, experimenting with new methods to increase the survival rate of these majestic birds. In 2017, the zoo introduced a pioneering technique where a surrogate condor raised two chicks. Building on that success, this year saw the implementation of an even more ambitious approach: raising three chicks simultaneously with a single surrogate female. This triple brooding technique, a first in the history of the California Condor Recovery Program (CCRP), has allowed the zoo to maximize its breeding efforts while minimizing human intervention.

Rose Legato, the Curator of Birds at the Los Angeles Zoo, expressed pride in the team’s achievements. “Our condor team has raised the bar once again in the collaborative effort to save America’s largest flying bird from extinction,” Legato said. The success of these new techniques is a testament to the zoo’s commitment to advancing condor recovery. It reflects the broader goals of the CCRP to bolster the population of this critically endangered species.

The History of Condor Conservation

The California condor’s journey from the brink of extinction to a more hopeful future is a story of perseverance and innovation. When the zoo’s condor breeding program began in 1967, it responded to the alarming decline in condor numbers. By 1983, the species was down to 22 individuals, prompting a concerted effort by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Fish and Game Commission to create a captive breeding program. The LA Zoo became a founding partner in this crucial effort, and over the decades, its contributions have been instrumental in the species' recovery.

Photo byLos Angeles Zoo

Looking Ahead

As the LA Zoo celebrates this record-breaking season, the focus remains on the future. With 17 new chicks added to the program, the zoo is not just marking a milestone but continuing its vital work to ensure the survival of the California condor. The innovative techniques pioneered here offer a glimmer of hope for other conservation efforts and underscore the importance of continued dedication to wildlife preservation.

The California condor’s story is one of resilience and collaboration, showcasing the impact of innovative approaches and passionate individuals working together for a common cause. With each new hatchling, the future of this majestic bird looks a little brighter, thanks to the groundbreaking work at the Los Angeles Zoo.