California condors have soared in the skies of North America for some 11,000 years. By 1982, the wild population had dwindled to just 22 birds, largely due to lead poisoning from bullets left in the carrion they consume. In collaboration with The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other conservation partners, the L.A. Zoo began an intensive breeding and reintroduction program, which has seen the California condor population climb to more than 550 individuals—with more than half of those birds li

13K views · 439 reactions | Look at that handsome face!  Topatopa came to the L.A. Zoo as a malnourished fledgling, rescued from the wild in 1967. Now age 57, Topa's help as a keystone breeder has helped California condor numbers soar from 22 individuals to more than 500 individuals, 300+ of which live in the wild. #Vulture #Condor #CACondor #Conservation | Los Angeles Zoo | Facebook