The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has announced the arrival of the 250th California condor chick, which was a remarkable success in the ongoing efforts to conserve and rehabilitate this critically endangered species.

The newly hatched chick named Emaay was cared for by parents Xol-Xol and Mexwe.

Xol-Xol holds a special place in the history of condor conservation, being one of the last 22 condors alive in 1982.

Rescued as a neglected chick from the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, Xol-Xol became the first California condor brought into human care as part of the California Condor Recovery Program.

Since then, he has fathered an impressive 41 chicks, many of which have been successfully reintroduced into their native habitat.

However, concerns arose about the chick's position in the egg, prompting wildlife care specialists to conduct computed tomography (CT) imaging at the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center.

Fortunately, the results alleviated any worries, and the chick was returned to its parents for hatching. Equipped with infrared cameras, the nest was monitored around the clock, culminating in Emaay's safe arrival in the early morning hours of March 16.

Nora Willis, senior wildlife care specialist at San Diego Zoo WildlifeAlliance said 'the inspiring success of the California Condor Recovery Program.'

Through innovative techniques, the population has rebounded from the brink of extinction, with over 560 living California condors.

Emaay is now preparing to embark on its journey into the wild in 2025.