Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am Posts: 12695
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SWINWK wrote: Iniko alive and well!! Just found for the first time since getting knocked out of nest Friday eve! Can be seen on their cam right now. They have panned in. Here's a screen capture by Ryela:
Iniko
Condor cam
After bringing this here Sunday, later when I saw Iniko dismount the log and walk the short distance till offscreen, it was obvious he could not bear full weight on the left extremity. He was rescued yesterday (Monday) and is at the Los Angeles Zoo and will receive treatment. Feeling for Redwood Queen as she has lost "Kingpin" and now "Iniko". Normally, these condors continue to care for their young for 6-12 months after they fledge from what I've read. Ventana said Iniko will be released into the wild next year, so it gives me hope they think whatever treatment is necessary will be successful. This is the write up by Kelly Sorenson, Executive Director
Iniko rescued by Ventana Field Crew
Baby Condor Safely Rescued After Injury in Big Sur, CA Baby Condor Iniko, who was forced out of his/her nest for the first time on Friday, was rescued on Monday afternoon by the Ventana Field Crew after discovering Iniko sustained a leg injury. Iniko's father, #167 Kingpin, has been missing since the Dolan Fire burned through the Condor Sanctuary in August, leaving #190 Redwood Queen to care for Iniko by herself.
Iniko was ready to fledge,(fly for the first time), when six-year-old male condor #729 Ninja started to push in on Kingpin's territory and forced Iniko out of the nest on Friday, October 16. Iniko landed safely below the redwood tree and was protected by mother Redwood Queen as Ninja continued to display territorial behavior. It is not surprising that Ninja began to move in on the former territory of male condor Kingpin, but Redwood Queen prevailed in protecting Iniko.
Thanks to Condor Cam, powered by explore.org, viewers from all over the world have watched Iniko grow up in a cavity of a redwood tree in Big Sur, California. All was good at first until the Dolan Fire ripped apart this condor family. With Kingpin out of the picture and having survived the wildfire itself, Iniko's fate was never certain. Watch Iniko's story here.
After careful observation by the VWS Field Crew, it was determined that Iniko’s departure from the nest resulted in a leg injury that would require treatment. The rescue occurred yesterday morning, Monday October 19, and Iniko is now safely at the Los Angeles Zoo for care. Condors are typically released into the wild at 1.5 years old. After some time at the zoo, Iniko will be released to the wild next year.
This rescue would not have been possible if not for the efforts of Redwood Queen who fiercely protected her chick, both in the nest and on the ground. While it tugs on our heart that Redwood Queen returned to find her young missing, it is comforting to know that Iniko lives and Redwood Queen will raise young again, maybe even as soon as next year.
The addition of Iniko and other wild-fledged condors, gives us hope for a brighter future. We remain committed to ongoing releases of captive-bred condors in central California so that we can Restore the Big Sur Flock. Please consider donating to our Rebuild and Restore fund so that we may continue this vital work.
Warm Regards, Kelly Sorenson Executive Director
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