Venezuela: Sierra de la Culata NP – Refugio del Condor

Sierra de La Culata National Park is a huge reserve protecting pristine Andean landscapes and a small section of in the Valley de Mifati is known as Refugio del Condor. This is condor territory, and there is a large enclosed case-like aviary that has a condor onsite, allowing for an up close and personal observation. During the 19-20th century the condor numbers rapidly diminished in Venezuela and by 1965 they were announced extinct in the country. In 1993, several birds were brought and introduced in Sierra de La Culata National Park. It is estimated that the hunger are still small in the wild, only about 5-10 birds. The Refugio del Condor is used for study, conservation and eventual release. The bird is absolutely massive – with a wingspan of up to 3.2 me (10.5 feet).