ARIZONA, USA — At the Navajo Bridge in Arizona a contest for love has unfolded between three California Condors. An article by The Peregrine Fund and KÜHL tells the story about the birds navigating "love," death and human impact. There are only 561 California Condors in the world and The Peregrine Fund is raising awareness of the plights these birds face.
"For Valentine’s Day, we tell the tale of two California Condors, and how their species is teetering on the brink of extinction, yet keeps clawing back, driven by innate strength and human determination. This love story serves as a reminder that even in the wild, the heart endures, adapts, and never gives up," the article states.
The story begins with two condors that had mated and produced a baby. Sadly, the female died from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in March 2023. California Condors mate for life and after the death of his mate, the male became a single father, raising and caring for the baby until it was old enough to go it alone.
Time went by and the male condor, #619, met a female, #741, with whom he seemed to be bonding. However, tragedy struck again. When both birds were treated for lead poisoning. According to the article, lead was introduced into the birds' environment from ammunition residues left in animals the birds eat.
“We believe that solving problems that affect raptors must be done in partnership with those who can make a difference and have the potential to solve the problem. We were founded by hunters, and many of our current staff at the Peregrine Fund are hunters and that includes falconry, one of the oldest forms of hunting. Our goal is to work with hunters in our quest to eliminate unintentional lead poisoning," Program Director for the California Condor Reintroduction Program, Tim Hauck said.
After the two birds were treated for lead poisoning they were released back into the wild, but that is where the story takes another turn. Another male, #354, has come between the couple, and now conservationists aren't sure which male will be victorious.
"This twist in the story is a clear reminder of the fact that the impact of human behavior and HPAI has not only been a blow to the health and numbers of the condor population but has also stirred the mating dynamics of these majestic birds," the article states.
Beyond a tale of human impact, the story is a reminder that "all is fair in love and war."
People can read the original story here.
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