San Diego welcomes a new member to its wildlife family as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park announces the hatching of Emaay, a California condor, on March 16.

A Symbolic Name

Emaay, deriving from the Kumeyaay word for sky, joins the vibrant ecosystem of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The chick’s sex remains undisclosed, adding to the anticipation surrounding its growth and development.

Proud Parents and Heritage

The proud parents, Xol-Xol and Mexwe, stand as symbols of resilience and conservation efforts. Xol-Xol, whose name translates to one of the sky people in Chumash, holds a significant place in history as the first California condor placed under human care in 1982. Notably, Xol-Xol was among the final 22 condors remaining during that crucial period and has contributed to the birth of 41 chicks since 1993.

Milestone Achievement

With Emaay’s arrival, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the birth of its 250th condor, marking a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts. Nora Willis, senior wildlife care specialist at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, expresses profound gratitude for the park’s success and its role in the broader California Condor Recovery Program. The program aims to revitalize the condor population, which faced a devastating decline, dwindling to just 22 birds over four decades ago.

Endangered Yet Resilient

The California condor remains on the list of endangered species, underscoring the critical need for continued conservation initiatives. Over the years, concerted efforts have resulted in a gradual increase in the condor population. Presently, there are over 560 California condors, with more than half of them soaring freely, symbolizing a beacon of hope for their species.

Future Outlook

As Emaay continues to grow and thrive under the care of dedicated wildlife specialists, there are optimistic projections for its eventual release into the wild. The year 2025 is earmarked for Emaay’s reintroduction into its natural habitat, signifying a crucial step forward in preserving the California condor population.

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