California Condor Dies from Lead Poisoning After Being Born at L.A. Zoo

In a tragic turn of events, a California condor that was born at the Los Angeles Zoo has died from lead poisoning while in the wild. The condor, identified as Condor 1131, was found dead in the Tehachapi Mountains, marking another loss for the species that conservationists have been working tirelessly to save.

The young condor was part of a reintroduction program aimed at bolstering the dwindling population of California condors. After being released into the wild, Condor 1131 thrived for a period before succumbing to the effects of lead poisoning, a common yet preventable cause of death for these majestic birds. The primary source of lead exposure for condors is from ammunition left behind by hunters, which the birds ingest while scavenging for food.

Lead poisoning remains a significant threat to the recovery of the California condor population. Despite efforts to educate hunters and promote the use of non-lead ammunition, incidents like this continue to occur. The loss of Condor 1131 serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by conservationists and underscores the need for more effective measures to protect these birds.

The Los Angeles Zoo, along with other wildlife organizations, continues to monitor the health of the remaining condors and is actively involved in efforts to reduce lead exposure in the wild. The death of Condor 1131 has reignited calls for stricter regulations on lead ammunition and increased public awareness about the impact of lead on wildlife.

• California Condor
• Lead Poisoning
• Los Angeles Zoo
• Tehachapi Mountains

Detailed

California condor born at L.A. Zoo dies in the wild from lead poisoning

4 weeks ago

- ktla