Zion’s first California Condor dies from lead poisoning

SPRINGDALE, Utah — The California condor, 1k has passed away, Zion National Park has announces.

In a joint statement from The Peregrine Fund (TPF), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Zion National Park, lead poisoning was the official cause of the condor’s death.

As part of the California Condor Recovery Program, this California Condor was tagged and named 1k for being the 1,000th tagged. He was also the first successful condor hatched in Zion National Park, back in May 2019. 

 

The bird died a little before its birthday, just a year or two away from finding a mate and breeding. 

“1K’s death is a tragedy because it was premature and preventable. He was still in his awkward teenage years, with his head color starting to change from black to orange,” said TPF’s California Condor Program Manager Shawn Farry.

“He had a wonderful way of endearing staff and visitors to the condor and its story, and for that, he will be missed by so many who were lucky to catch a glimpse of 1K soaring through Zion Canyon,” said Farry. 

 

What do we know about condor lead poisoning? 

According to the program lead poisoning remains the number one cause of death in condors. Other scavengers, like the bald eagle, are likely experiencing similar levels of lead poisoning but are just not as monitored. 

There are a few causes of lead poisoning; dehydration, starvation, and bullets in their food. 

Condors are scavengers and will often eat the carcasses of animals left by hunters. While it could be good, the dead animals usually have bullets left inside of them, leaking lead into the condors’ few food sources. 

TPF’s CEO, President, and Co-founder of NANP Chris Parish said they already have had a lot of support from hunters, but it’s looking like it’s not enough, yet. 

“Very simply, we must expand our reach to more hunters, managers, ranchers, sportsmen- and women. The proof is there. If people know and have alternatives, they are more than willing to help. We just need to reach them,” said Parish.

“1K’s death is a reminder that there is still work that needs to be done before we can take a step back and call this a conservation success story. The California Condor has experienced a difficult past year, but the trajectory of the program continues to move upward thanks to the resiliency of the condor and the hard work of so many in the recovery effort,” said TPF’s California Condor Program Director Tim Hauck.

 

Related:

• Zion National Park plans to reroute large vehicles in 2026 
• Zion National Park to introduce campfire and smoking restrictions