International Vulture Awareness Day: Learn More About Vultures 

Vultures are nature’s clean-up crew, responsible for eradicating diseases such as anthrax, botulism, rabies, and more in the carrion that they consume. Learn more about these amazing birds at the links below. 

“Los Angeles Zoo Has Historic Record-Breaking California Condor Season in 2024”: Thanks to pioneering new breeding program techniques, the L.A. Zoo hatched 17 healthy chicks during its 2024 California condor breeding season, surpassing a record set in 1997 with 15 chicks. All chicks will be candidates for release as part of the collaborative California Condor Recovery Program. 

International Vulture Awareness Day – Home Page: More than 100 organizations worldwide participate in International Vulture Awareness Day!  

California Condor: The California condor is the largest land bird in North America, with wings spanning an amazing 9.5 feet! While these critically endangered birds are not on exhibit at the Zoo, try to catch a glimpse by participating in the Condor Spotting activity held daily (except Tuesdays) from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the picnic area next to the Angela Collier World of Birds Show Theater. Also, the Angela Collier World of Birds Show features the aptly named Hope, a non-releasable California condor. Shows are at 12 p.m., daily, except Tuesday, weather permitting. 

Andean Condor: The Andean condor is one of the world’s largest flying birds, with a 10-foot wingspan. Learn more about these birds and visit our resident Andean condor, Leadbottom. 

King Vulture: The king vulture was seen by the ancient Mayans as a messenger between gods and humans. Visit these colorful, powerful carrion-eaters in the South America section.