Dorothy & Relatives

A while back we showed you some videos of our young Andean Condor, Dorothy.  So we thought we'd like to share with you some additional info on this fascinating raptor.

The Andean Condor is the largest bird of prey in the world.  It inhabits the rocky cliffs and canyons of mountainous areas of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador and Peru, and plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the South American Andean regions.

Due to habitat loss and secondary poisoning from carcasses killed by hunters and trappers, the Andean Condor is considered "near threatened" by the IUCN.  Because it is primarily a scavenger, when it feeds on carrion that has died from poisoning, it also becomes a victim.  

Because of the threatened status of this magnificent bird, many zoos and associated conservation organizations have banded together to include this bird in a captive breeding program, and, in fact, have released a number of captive bred Andean Condors back into their native habitats.

Here you see a photo of our own young Andean Condor, Dorothy, at age two, in her juvenile plumage.  As you can see, at this stage she still had some of her baby down, and was just beginning to sport the neck ruff which will be a beautiful white color when she attains adulthood.  

Check back later this week for more information about Dorothy and her relaltives!