“Miracle” Condor Takes Flight: Milagra Released into Grand Canyon After Battling Avian Flu

 “Milagra,” a California Condor who overcame a harrowing start to life, has taken flight in the wild. The nearly 17-month-old bird, whose name means “miracle” in Spanish, was released near The Grand Canyon this weekend, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to save the endangered species, The Associated Press reports.

Milagra’s survival story is nothing short of remarkable. Her mother succumbed to the devastating avian flu outbreak that swept through the US shortly after laying her egg, and her father narrowly escaped the same fate while attempting to incubate the egg alone. Biologists, witnessing the dire circumstances, intervened and rescued the egg, bringing it into captivity for hatching.

The release of Milagra, one of three young condors set free this weekend, is a testament to the effectiveness of the breeding program established by the Peregrine Fund and federal wildlife managers in 1993. This program, a crucial lifeline for the species, has seen the number of California Condors in the wild grow to an estimated 360, with over 200 more living in captivity.

While the release of Milagra’s companions was a joyous occasion, her journey holds particular significance. Her foster father, #27, was one of the first condors brought into captivity in 1983 when the species numbered fewer than two dozen. Both of Milagra’s biological parents were also products of this program, illustrating the success of conservation efforts in creating a new generation of condors.

Despite the success of the breeding program, challenges remain. The avian flu outbreak, which tragically claimed 21 condors in the Utah-Arizona flock last year, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of the species. The release of Milagra, who faced those challenges early in her life, is therefore particularly poignant.

The release, streamed live by the Peregrine Fund and the Bureau of Land Management from Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, showcased the resilience of the California Condor. While some of the condors initially hesitated to leave their pen, Milagra, after an hour and 20 minutes, finally took flight, symbolizing the hope for a brighter future for the species.

The release of Milagra and her companions marks a vital step in the ongoing effort to restore the California Condor. With an estimated 360 condors now living in the wild and over 200 in captivity, the future of this iconic species seems brighter than ever.