Critically endangered California Condor dies from lead poisoning

15/09/2008 09:59:11 On September 5, 2008 Condor Biologists from Ventana Wildlife Society and Pinnacles National Monument rescued a four-year-old female condor (number 336) that was suffering from lead poisoning. Biologists were alerted by a local Big Sur resident that condor 336 was exhibiting unusual behaviour, and they discovered that 336 was very ill and in need of immediate medical attention.

Lead poisoning
Unfortunately it took 3 days to capture 336. The bird was immediately rushed for treatment at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic in Monterey. Following examination, 336 was found to have a very elevated blood-lead level and was extremely underweight. She was given intravenous fluids and a dose of Calcium EDTA to counteract the lead poisoning. Due to 336's critical health status, she was transferred to the Los Angeles Zoo for intensive care. Despite the efforts of the condor biologists responsible for her rescue and the veterinarian staff treating her, 336 died on 6th September.

Condor 336
Ventana Wildlife Society Senior Biologist, Joe Burnett, commented: "336 had been in the wild for more than three years and had become an integral member of the Central California Condor flock, her loss is devastating to our recovery efforts"

Captive breeding to prevent extinction
In 1987 the last free-flying California condor was captured from the wild and an extensive recovery effort was initiated to save this species from extinction. Ventana Wildlife Society's Species Recovery Program started releasing condors in Big Sur in 1997. Ventana Wildlife Society and National Parks Service began collaborating on condor releases at Pinnacles National Monument in 2003 and now they co-monitor a population of 41 wild condors in central California. Ventana Wildlife Society, the only non-profit releasing condors in California, works in collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife Service, California State Fish and Game, USDA Forest Service, and the National Parks Service.

Lead ammunition
Lead from spent ammunition has been documented as a source of exposure in free-flying California Condors and no other source has been identified. In the lead poisoning case of Condor 336, the source of exposure has not been identified. In California, lead ammunition is prohibited in condor range after a new law was passed on July 1, 2008. As lead ammunition is the primary concern, the Ventana Wildlife Society respectfully requests that all hunters use non-leaded ammunition when hunting in condor range. It is not only better for wildlife, but it safer for you and your family as well due to the tendency of lead ammunition to fragment upon impact.