Just 200 meters from Cerro El Amago, in San Luis, a new chapter in wildlife conservation unfolded. The condor Francisco flew freely once again, rehabilitated after six months of intensive care.
The release was made possible thanks to a collaborative effort between multiple national and provincial environmental institutions.
Francisco, the Andean condor that returned to the sky
Francisco was rescued with severe injuries that even affected his esophagus.
Thanks to the dedication of the Wildlife Conservation Center (CCVS) and the coordinated work with BioAndina Foundation, Cullunche Foundation, EcoParque Buenos Aires, Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development, National Parks Agency, and the Andean Condor Conservation Program (PCCA), he was able to recover.
Francisco the condor’s release.
The moment of release was emotional, and many attendees were able to witness it in all its splendor.
After leaving the crate, Francisco waited almost an hour before spreading his wings and letting the mountain wind carry him away.
Before his return to the sky, he was honored in an ancestral ceremony by the Huarpe community “Palma Ayayme”. This spiritual ritual is a common practice in each condor release, aiming to give thanks, seek protection for the bird, and strengthen the sacred bond between the community and nature.
Francisco was rescued in Villa Larca and transported by the Volunteer Firefighters of La Carolina. Through veterinary treatment, dedication, and environmental commitment, the condor managed to overcome his injuries.
His release reinforces the province’s sustained work in conserving native species and sets a precedent for its enormous resilience and the coordinated work among various actors.
Institutional presence and international coverage for the release
The event took place in San Luis.
The event was attended by key figures in the environmental and tourism sectors. Some of those present were:
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Federico Cacace, Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development
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Gabriela González Riollo, Secretary of Interjurisdictional Linkage
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Giuliana Torti, Subdirector of Protected Natural Areas
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Ignacio Morris, Director of Tourism Promotion
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Ramiro Reyno, head of EcoParque Buenos Aires
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Authorities from the National Park Sierra de Las Quijadas
Members of the PCCA also participated, such as Luis Jácome, president of BioAndina Foundation, biologist Daniela Rodríguez, and veterinarians like Federico Correa and Jennifer Ibarra, among others.
The release was also covered by a team from CNN International, which will provide global visibility to Argentina’s efforts in conserving the Andean condor, a key species for high Andean ecosystems.
An exemplary event of environmental education
Another step towards conservation.
Students from the School No. 28 “Cabildo Abierto 22 de Mayo” in the Los Puquios area also attended, experiencing an educational and transformative day.
The involvement of young people is crucial to sow environmental awareness from an early age.
