Carrying Forward a Legacy of Recovery
about us
Our focus is on the most advanced propagation techniques, careful husbandry, and collaborative partnerships — propelling condor conservation into a new era of efficiency, resilience, and successful release into the wild.
The California Condor Alliance continues the groundbreaking work of Michael Clark and his team with the creation of a new breeding center dedicated to strengthening the future of the California condor.
“When I was first brought on to this program in 1989, only 30 condors remained in the world. Now, thanks to innovation and partners, we’ve helped hundreds fly free. But the journey continues.“
— Michael Clark, Founding Director
300+ now free-flying in the wild.
TODAY
World population of California condors reaches 500
2019
First release of captive produced chicks to the wild
First nesting in the wild from released condors produced in captivity
2001
100th captive produced chick hatched
1996
1992
First captive produced CA condor chick hatches
1988
Milestones achieved by the program
View Condor Population Growth from 1980 to 2022 graph here.
Established in 1979 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Condor Recovery Program is one of the most successful conservation initiatives in the U.S.
From a near-extinct population of just 22 condors, the program has grown to over 500 birds, with more than 300 now free-flying in the wild. But the work is far from over — continued effort is essential to secure a lasting future for the species.
The California Condor Recovery Program
about
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Growth Rate Plateau
Ensuring all young condors we produce are prepared—physically and behaviorally — for successful release and long‑term survival.
Prepare Today for Tomorrow’s Flights
Expanding the condor programs breeding capability, empowering partners, and nurturing the next generation of condor experts.
Capacity Building & Shared Expertise
Led by Michael Clark and his 35 years of pioneering breakthroughs in condor aviculture and husbandry, our protocols are built on a lifetime of rigorous trial, error, and innovation, yielding more chicks in shorter time frames.
Innovation-Driven Breeding
We aspire to become a vital breeding partner in the Recovery Program, increasing the number of condors available for annual release and helping to drive exponential growth of the wild population.
As a key player, we aim to deliver:
Our Role in the California Condor Recovery Program
A Shared Effort
director, california condor alliance
Marti Jenkins
“In ten years, the second-best thing to seeing all condors living independently in the wild would be knowing we’ve properly trained the next generation to pick up the torch and carry that same spirit of cooperation, that same passion.“
Voices of the Alliance
director, california condor alliance
Chandra David
“This program just constantly haunts you, in a good way. You just want to keep involved. You’re never done learning here. That’s what’s so amazing about it.”
Voices of the Alliance
director, california condor alliance
Marti Jenkins
“But what makes me keep going is this is a species that just doesn’t want to quit.”
Voices of the Alliance
director, california condor alliance
Chandra David
“The responsible thing to do as a conservation partner is to help save the species, and not just raise chicks, but also educate the public on what will save the species in the wild.”
Voices of the Alliance
Our Partners
We strongly believe that only through collaboration can we overcome the complex challenges facing this iconic species. Together with our partners, we are firmly committed to securing a future where condors once again thrive in the wild.
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