Reading about the plight of a species near the brink of extinction is one thing, seeing it on the big screen is quite another. The incredible story of the California condor played out for over 200 people who attended a recent special screening of The Condor's Shadow with all proceeds from the event going to the California Raptor Center (CRC).
Set in the condor's ruggedly beautiful Southern California habitat, the documentary film follows a year-in-the-life of endangered species recovery and explores the extreme lengths that biologists, zookeepers, scientists and a feisty condor named Pitahsi take to pulling the bird back from the brink of extinction.
"A film like this really brings home to people the importance of species conservation and our impact on the environment these birds live in," said Michelle Hawkins, director of the CRC. "Our hope is that through sharing this story, this beautiful film will make others appreciate the passion and hard work required to pull this species back from the brink of extinction."
A limited number of participants enjoyed a wine and cheese reception and raffle at Gunrock Pub before the film where they had the chance to visit with filmmaker Jeff McCloughlin. A Q&A with condor program biologist Joseph Brandt and McCloughlin followed the screening.
