Andean condor chick hatches in Mérida, Venezuela, after 22 years

A critically endangered Andean condor chick has hatched in Mérida, Venezuela, marking the first birth of the species in the country in 22 years. The female chick, named Nareupa, was born on December 22nd to a protected breeding pair at the Mundo Safari conservation center. This birth is significant as only 10 Andean condors remain in Venezuela. The conservation center had confirmed the egg was fertile on November 30th. The slow reproductive rate of condors, which are monogamous, makes this event a hopeful development for the species' survival program.