Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Stupid Condors

In 1987, condors were on the brink of extinction. There were only 22 of them left in California. Scientists captured those 22 birds and created a successful breeding program that has saved the species. The only problem is that the offspring are raised in captivity by zookepers and scientists using hand puppets.

By Madeleine Brand • Jul 3, 2014 • 1 min read

In 1987, condors were on the brink of extinction. There were only 22 of them left in California. Scientists captured those 22 birds and created a successful breeding program that has saved the species. The only problem is that the offspring are raised in captivity by zookepers and scientists using hand puppets. And that has created a generation of socially inept condors.