Four young Andean condors spread their wings over Chile's Patagonia this week, marking a milestone in a rewilding effort to protect the endangered species. Meet Chicoco, Bagual, Cuyen, and Eclipse 🦅—each with a unique survival story. From poisoning to captivity, these birds are now pioneers in a conservation project led by Rewilding Chile and the Manku Project.
Equipped with satellite trackers 📡, the condors will help researchers map flight patterns and identify breeding grounds. 'Patagonia’s pristine environment offers them abundant food and a chance to thrive,' said Cristian Saucedo of Rewilding Chile. The region hosts 70% of Chile’s condor population, critical as urban expansion threatens central habitats.
The birds underwent rehab at Santiago’s Metropolitan Zoo before a two-month acclimatization in Patagonia National Park. Scientists hope reintroducing them will restore ecosystems and provide insights into conservation challenges. As Eduardo Pavez of the Manku Project put it: 'Understanding their biology is key to saving these majestic birds.' 🌿✨
