In Chile and Argentina they flew magestically above our heads. In Ecuador they are close to extinction and we’ve only seen them in an aviary.
A study shows under 200 Andean Condors remain in Ecuador and a strong probability of extinction within 63 years; condors live up to 80 years. And shockingly in a country of such amazing landscapes the biggest threat is habitat loss; indeed we have noticed a housing sprawl up valleys and hillsides. To read more background click here
The aviary was at touristy Parque Condor where they are not allowed to fly their condors due to regulations. So we had to make do with a flight demonstration of eagles, owls and hawks.