The Peregrine Fund and the Bureau of Land Management celebrated the release of captive-raised California condors from the Vermilion Cliffs Monument in Arizona on Saturday.
The release included one female bird that highlighted what officials called a “story of perseverance.”
A California condor named Milagra hatched during a bird influenza outbreak, which killed her mother. Milagra eventually came into captivity and was raised in order to be released.
“So managing that habitat is very crucial to their survival and their ability to thrive. And the goal of the event, of course, is to help this experimental flock, the southwest Condor flock," said Rachel Carnahan,the public affairs officer for the Bureau of Land Management.
Carnahan also recognized significance of the event for the public.
“This event is incredible. We've seen up to 700 folks that come from across the country. They are thrilled. They're enthusiastic," she said.
The birds are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
It’s reported that 360 of the birds are estimated to be living in the wild, while 200 live in captivity.
California condors can live up to 60 years and are capable of traveling between national parks.
