California condors return to northern redwoods after a 100-year absence

California condors return to northern redwoods after a 100-year absence

Endangered California condors have been released, flying freely over Redwood National Park for the first time in over a century.

Despite successful breeding programmes, condors still face threats from lead poisoning and residual DDT in the environment.

The Yurok tribe has led efforts to reintroduce the condor to California's northern coast, as they consider them to be sacred and their release a commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.



For the first time in more than a century, endangered California condors soared over the redwood forests along the state’s northern coast.

The two birds, both males, were released from a pen in Redwood National Park, AP News reported.

“That was just as exciting as I thought it was going to be,” Yurok Tribe wildlife department director Tiana Williams-Claussen told Jefferson Public Radio. “Those guys just took right off.”

A video shared by the Yurok Tribe on Facebook shows first one and then the other bird emerging from the pen and launching themselves into flight.

The return of California condor to northern redwoods

The Yurok Tribe has spearheaded efforts to reintroduce the California condor to the northern part of its range. In 2021, the tribe announced a new condor release