Lead Didn’t Kill Condor Chick, Experts Conclude

A necropsy performed on a California condor chick found dead two weeks ago shows the bird did not die of lead poisoning, wildlife officials said.

“There were no detectable levels of lead in the first chick and we are doing further screening for other heavy metals,” said Bruce Palmer, coordinator of the condor recovery program for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “As of this point, there is no determined cause of death.”

Meanwhile, a second condor chick found dead last week was lifted out of the remote Sespe Condor Refuge by helicopter Friday. The chick will be sent to the San Diego Zoo for a necropsy today.