Ventana Wildlife Society

08/24/2026

An incredible piece of California condor history was captured on our live San Simeon Condor Cam in mid-August. For the first time in 21 years, Condor (161) returned to the Big Sur coast. Released into the wild as an eight-month-old chick on December 12, 1997, she became a foundational member of the central California recovery effort. She spent her early years navigating the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, helping her species push back from the brink of extinction. Her journey took a dramatic turn in 2004 when she flew south to join the southern California flock. Over the next two decades, she became a prolific mother, successfully nesting and producing 10 offspring.

Biologists are thrilled but mystified by her sudden homecoming to the central coast. We're unsure what prompted her return to her original stomping grounds, or how long she intends to stay. This surprise visit is a reminder of how much we still have to learn about the complex behaviors, memory, and lives of these majestic birds.

Be sure to join us on The Condor Chat this Thursday 8/27 at 4PM (PT) to hear more updates from our crew. www.ventanaws.org/thecondorchat

Screenshot: Condor (161) back on the Big Sur coast, captured on our live San Simeon Condor Cam.

08/18/2026

🔥 Timber Fire Update - Big Sur Condor Sanctuary

Firefighters have successfully slowed the progress of the Timber Fire over the past week, and both the Condor Sanctuary and Condors 340 and 868 remain safe. As many of you have been following their story know, these two adult male condors were under our care at the Sanctuary’s holding facility while recuperating from severe lead poisoning. We had originally scheduled their re-release for late August. Plans changed rapidly, however, due to the Timber Fire burning in the mountains above Big Sur, closing access to the Sanctuary. We partnered with Cal Fire to orchestrate an emergency rescue mission, and on August 11, both birds were successfully released to save them from encroaching flames. They spent their first few days acclimating, and in just the last few days, tracking data shows that they have begun moving east toward Pinnacles National Park.

This successful outcome would not have been possible without the swift coordination of multiple agencies. Our deepest thanks go out to the brave crews at Cal Fire, US Forest Service, Big Sur Fire, and everyone on the fire lines. Their ongoing firefighting efforts and continuous support keep both the local community and these endangered birds safe. Condor recovery takes a village, and we would also like to thank and recognize our partners at Pinnacles National Park, Oakland and LA Zoos, and our many collaborators and supporters.

Wildfire is one of the realities of conserving wildlife in the rugged landscapes of California. While we can't control the fire, we can prepare for it and moments like this reflect decades of hard-won experience. Since our program began, we've learned from every fire, and that preparation is exactly what allowed us to act quickly and get these birds to safety. Take a look back at the heroic efforts by our Biologists and the US Coast Guard during the 2008 Basin Fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rX4f_Q9Wso

Photos of 340 & 868: Tim Huntington - webnectar photography

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

08/13/2026

Our Discovery Center located in Andrew Molera State Park, normally open weekends throughout the summer, is CLOSED until further notice due to the Timber Fire. Currently, all State Parks in Big Sur are closed and Highway 1 is closed between Big Sur Post Office and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Visitors are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel to the area as firefighters and safety personnel work to fight the fire.

www.ventanaws.org/discovery_center

08/12/2026

🔥 Timber Fire Update - Big Sur Condor Sanctuary

Good news from Big Sur: a CAL FIRE firefighter escorted our Condor Program Manager, Joe Burnett, to the Sanctuary yesterday afternoon and Condor (340) and Condor (868) have now rejoined the wild flock! These two birds recently returned to our release pen after recovering from lead poisoning, thanks to the exceptional care they received at the Oakland Zoo and L.A. Zoo. They were scheduled to continue their recuperation for a few weeks before being re-released to the wild in mid-August, but with the Timber Fire burning close by, we needed to get them out earlier than planned. With our road access closed and other possible options to access the Sanctuary dwindling, our team was willing and ready to hike in as a last resort if needed. Instead, thanks to an extraordinary act of partnership, Cal Fire Battalion Chief- Aromas, Curtis Rhodes, escorted Joe into the Sanctuary to open the pen doors.

None of this would have been possible without the remarkable people who stepped up for these birds. Our deepest thanks go to Cal Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Big Sur Fire, and everyone on the fire lines, as well as Congressman Panetta's office, California State Parks staff, Oakland Zoo and Los Angeles Zoo, Pinnacles National Park, and our many partners and supporters. This is condor conservation as a team effort, and we are grateful beyond words.

Tune into our August episode of The Condor Chat on Thursday 8/28 at 4PM (PT), where we'll share the full story: www.ventanaws.org/thecondorchat

Want to help us stay ready for the next challenge? Support our Save the Condors Campaign: www.ventanaws.org/donatetocondorrecovery

🎥: Condor (340) flying out of the Big Sur Condor Sanctuary release pen, Curtis Rhodes/ Cal Fire

08/11/2026

🔥 Timber Fire Update - Big Sur Condor Sanctuary

While the fire is still a good distance away, the Sanctuary remains in its path and we’re doing everything we can to prepare. Condor (340) and Condor (868), recovering from lead poisoning in our on-site facility, remain safe but need to be released as soon as possible. We're working with fire fighters to gain access to the Sanctuary today. You can follow along through our live Condor Cams: www.ventanaws.org/condor_cam

A huge shoutout to the U.S. Forest Service for stepping in to help us during this critical time. We can’t thank the firefighters and first responders enough for all they do to protect people, property, and wildlife. ❤️‍

📷 While monitoring the cameras, Condor Program Manager, Joe Burnett, captured Condor (340) sunning in the pen this morning.

08/10/2026

🔥 Timber Fire Update – California Condor Sanctuary

The Timber Fire began burning in the mountains above Big Sur on Saturday and has closed access to our California Condor Sanctuary. Firefighters continue working to contain the fire in extremely rugged terrain, while our team closely monitors conditions.

Although we cannot currently reach the Sanctuary, we have activated the emergency response plans we’ve developed through years of working in fire-prone landscapes. We are carefully evaluating conditions and preparing, if necessary, to safely release California Condors 868 and 340, who are currently recovering from lead poisoning in our on-site release facility.

At this time, neither condor is in immediate danger. Any decision to release them will be based on fire conditions and what is safest for the birds. We remain in close communication with fire officials and our agency partners.

We are incredibly grateful to the firefighters and first responders working to protect Big Sur. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated as conditions change.

In the meantime, you can watch the Sanctuary and follow the condors through our live Condor Cams: www.ventanaws.org/condor_cam

📷 California Condors 340 and 868 recuperating from lead poisoning inside our Big Sur Release Facility on August 10, 2026.

08/05/2026

World Roman Pictures Network, and its many international film festivals, is an industry leader and we are thrilled to have a spot on WRPN.tv for our film Condor Canyon, since it gives yet another way to distribute to broader audiences. In addition to Condor Canyon being on public television and our YouTube Channel, WRPN.tv is hosting a link and landing page for our film. WRPN.tv is the ONLY online streaming network that runs absolutely no commercials and charges nothing. It brings award-winning festival-selected films, talented screenwriters, and exceptional performers to audiences worldwide. Watch independent cinema free with no subscriptions and no commercials.

Huge thanks to Doris Day and Terry Melcher Foundation for funding the production of Condor Canyon, which continues to educate and inspire people around the world!

Watch our documentary here:

Watch Condor Canyon - an award-winning documentary. When lead poisoning separates a California condor mother from her family, her mate must raise their chick alone. A true story of hope, resilience, and conservation. Stream free on WRPN.tv.

08/04/2026

2026 nesting update: there were 9 nesting attempts this breeding season by the central CA flock. Sadly, 6 of the nests failed, but we still have 3 active nests remaining and each of the chicks have received their studbook numbers!

Redwood Queen and Condor (745) hatched Chick (1425) in April
Condor (317) and Redwood Son (665) hatched Chick (1424) in April
And San Simeon resident condors Madeline (936) and Thunderchief (758) hatched Chick (1455) in May

Every chick that successfully hatches and fledges helps the endangered condor population take flight again. We are excited to have these three join the flock when they fledge later this year.

Video from a past nesting season of a condor chick in its nest viewed through a scope, Evan McWreath/VWS