April 2, 2011

Post date: Apr 17, 2011 8:58:47 PM

The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of only four in the world with California condors on display. The California condor is so endangered that in 1982 there were only 22 birds left in the wild. Now due to conservation efforts there are 369 total condors, with 192 in the wild.

The California condor is the largest flying bird in North America, with a wingspan nearly 10 feet wide. The condor's bare head helps it to stay clean while it eats. Scientists help nesting efforts by using hand puppets to feed the babies (see video at: http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/parkwildlife/california_condor.html).