NPS / Gavin Emmons The California Condor’s Journey Back to RedwoodThe Yurok word for the California condor is Prey-go-neesh. The return of this majestic bird to its ancestral home in Redwood National and State Parks represents a profound cultural and environmental restoration effort. Each condor is given a unique name by the Condor Restoration Program, honoring their individuality and significance. Since March 2022, when the first group of condors entered their release pen, these birds have captivated audiences worldwide. Through the Northern California Condor Restoration Program's social media, live condor webcams, and news articles, both the program and the individual condors have become celebrated icons. Explore below to learn more about each bird’s story and personality. For additional information, visit the Yurok Condor Restoration Program, the Redwood Condor Homepage, or the NPS condor site. 
Yurok Tribe Photo / Matt Mais A New Group of Condors Begins Their JourneyOn March 25, 2022, the first group of four condors arrived at the release site. The cohort included an experienced older male and three younger condors: two males with wingtags A2 and A3, and a female with wingtag A0. The final young member of the group, a condor with wingtag A1, joined soon after. All of the young condors are between two and four years old. The elder, wingtag #746, is a male condor named Paaytoqin, meaning “Come back” in the Nez Perce language. Hatched in 2014, Paaytoqin will not be released; instead, he serves as a mentor and teacher, guiding each young condor that passes through the release site on its journey. 
Yurok Wildlife Department The First Flights: A New Generation Takes to the SkyOn August 16, 2022, four more condors arrived at the release site, marking the start of their adaptation period. Over several weeks, they adjusted to their new environment with guidance from Paaytoqin, the mentor bird (wingtag #746) who remains in the release pen to help shape the young condors' behavior. The first to take flight from this group was A4, named Cher-perhl So-nee-ne-pek, which means “I feel strong.” Known for his confidence, he was ready to soar by October 11. Following shortly after, on the same day, was A5, named Neee'n, or “The Watcher.” Though initially more cautious, he, too, spread his wings on October 11. A6, the shyest and most reserved in the group, received the name Me-new-kwek, meaning “I’m bashful” or “I’m shy.” He waited until November 16 to take his first flight. A7, the second female in this new generation, is named He-we-chek', meaning “I am healthy / I get well.” She took her first flight on November 9, bringing resilience and balance to the growing condor family. Each bird, with its unique name and character, represents the strength and diversity of this expanding population. 
Yurok Wildlife Department Four New Arrivals: Ready to SoarOn August 16, 2022, four additional condors arrived at the release site, beginning their adaptation period. Over the next few weeks, they adjusted to their new environment under the guidance of Paaytoqin, the mentor bird with wingtag #746, who remained in the release pen to help shape their behaviors. The first in this group to take flight was A4, Cher-perhl So-nee-ne-pek, meaning “I feel strong.” Known for his confidence, he was ready to soar by October 11. Joining him on the same day was A5, named Neee'n, or “The Watcher.” Though initially more cautious, he was ready by October 11 to spread his wings. A6, the more reserved and timid of the group, received the name Me-new-kwek, meaning “I’m bashful” or “I’m shy.” He waited until November 16 for his first flight. A7, the second female among this new generation, was named He-we-chek', meaning “I am healthy / I get well.” She took to the skies for the first time on November 9, bringing resilience and balance to this group of young condors. Each bird, with its unique name and character, represents the strength and diversity of this growing population. |
Last updated: October 29, 2024