The first California condor egg of 2024 was laid at the Oregon Zoo's Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation.

Condors No. 189 and 544 are the proud parents of the egg, which was laid at the Oregon Zoo on January 22, marking their first successful breeding attempt together.

Senior condor keeper Kelli Walker expressed excitement for the upcoming breeding season, as all 14 pairs at the conservation centre have successfully raised chicks in the past.

He said that with only around 500 California condors left in the world, every egg is crucial for the species' survival.

The California condor, once on the brink of extinction with just 22 individuals left in the wild in 1982, has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts like those at the Oregon Zoo.

Located in rural Clackamas County, the Jonsson Center provides a safe environment for captive-hatched condors, increasing their chances of survival in the wild.

Ongoing support from the Avangrid Foundation and donations to the Oregon Zoo Foundation have helped fund upgrades and equipment at the facility, furthering their crucial conservation work.

Since 2003, over 108 chicks have hatched at the Jonsson Center, with more than 73 birds released into the wild.

In addition, some eggs laid by Oregon Zoo condors have been placed in wild nests to hatch, expanding the reach of their breeding program.

With more eggs expected in the coming weeks, the staff at the Jonsson Center are eagerly anticipating more additions to the California condor population in 2024.