Condors Rescued from Big Sur Wildfire
Two condors, identified as 340 and 868, were rescued from the Timber Fire in Big Sur by CAL FIRE and the Ventana Wildlife Society. The birds were safely returned to the wild after a three-hour mission.

San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 13, 2026 —
Two endangered California condors, identified by their wing tags as 340 and 868, were successfully rescued from the Timber Fire in Big Sur. The collaborative rescue effort was undertaken by CAL FIRE and the Ventana Wildlife Society.
The mission to save the two condors lasted approximately three hours. Following their rescue, both birds were assessed and subsequently released back into the wild, unharmed by the incident. The Timber Fire, which necessitated the rescue operation, has been a significant concern in the Big Sur region.
California condors are among the rarest birds in the world, with conservation efforts playing a crucial role in their survival. The Ventana Wildlife Society is dedicated to the recovery of this species, and its involvement in the rescue highlights the ongoing commitment to protecting the condor population. CAL FIRE’s participation underscored the inter-agency cooperation often required during wildfire events that threaten wildlife.
Story summarized from the original created by Dustin Dorsey on abc7news.com, see more information here.
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