Her mother tragically succumbed to the worst outbreak of avian flu in U.S. history soon after laying her egg. Against all odds, Milagra, the “miracle” California condor, defied death and is now nearly 17 months old. She is one of three endangered condors who recently spread their wings in the wild as part of a release near the Grand Canyon.
Even after the pen door was opened, the birds hesitated to leave. Eventually, two condors flew out, followed by Milagra after a longer delay. Her survival story is truly remarkable. Her mother’s death from avian flu and her father’s battle with the same infection while trying to incubate the egg alone highlight the challenges she faced from birth.
Rescued and hatched in captivity, Milagra was named for the miracle of her survival. The release of Milagra and the other condors was streamed online from Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to protect and restore the species.
Today, there are around 360 California condors in the wild, thanks to conservation programs like the one that nurtured Milagra. These birds, with their impressive wing-span of 9.5 feet, have been safeguarded as an endangered species since 1967.
The release of these condors serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts to ensure their survival. It is a testament to the dedication of biologists, recovery partners, and volunteers who continue to work towards the conservation of these magnificent birds.
As Milagra takes flight into the wild, her journey symbolizes hope and resilience, a shining example of the success of captive breeding programs in saving endangered species.
