At the Wildlife Conservation Center (CCVS) of La Florida, a pioneering procedure is being carried out on a specimen of Andean condor (Vultur gryphus).
The main objective is the placement of a prosthesis designed to substantially improve the well-being and quality of life of the animal, which is currently part of the permanent staff of the Floro Faunistic Reserve.
This adult female was rescued on June 13, 2025, in the area of Quines. After her admission, specialists determined that she suffered the total loss of one of her legs.
This physical condition represents a critical challenge, as it hinders both her motor rehabilitation and her potential release into the natural habitat.
The technical process is advised by Dr. Agustín Almanza, a veterinary doctor from Redboot Quine, a company specialized in equine prosthetics.
Under his guidance, the mold of the affected limb was taken to craft the orthopedic piece. Veterinary doctor Andrea Gangone leads this clinical effort, working together with caretakers and park rangers to adapt the donated prosthesis to the bird’s body.
The Challenge of Adaptation
Recovery is a slow and strict process. According to Gangone, the main obstacle is the animal’s tolerance, as the stump has a thin callus that fails to properly cushion the splintered bone, causing pain upon contact.
However, through daily exercises, a slight improvement in the acceptance of the piece has been observed.
Although 70% of the specimens that arrive at the center manage to be rehabilitated and released, cases of limb loss often prevent their return to wildlife.
In these situations, the birds are integrated into breeding, education, and research programs, as is the case with the pair of condors ‘Kytek’ and ‘Taynemta’.
Characteristics of the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
The Andean condor is not only a symbol of the mountain range but also a fundamental piece for ecological balance. Below are its main features:
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Wingspan and Size: It is one of the largest flying birds in the world. It can reach a wingspan of up to 3.3 meters and a weight of up to 15 kilograms.
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Scavenger Diet: It is a necrophagous animal (feeds on dead animals). By cleaning ecosystems of decomposing organic remains, it prevents the spread of diseases and bacteria, fulfilling a role as an environmental “cleaner”.
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Sexual Dimorphism: Unlike many birds of prey, the male is larger than the female and has a fleshy crest on the forehead and beak, in addition to having a yellowish-brown iris, while the female has a red iris.
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Slow Reproduction: It has a very low reproductive rate. They lay one egg every two years, and both parents share incubation and care of the chick, making them extremely vulnerable to the loss of adult specimens.
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Gliding Flight: Due to their large weight, they prefer to inhabit areas with thermal air currents that allow them to glide long distances without expending excessive energy through flapping.
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Conservation Status: Currently, it is classified as Vulnerable globally and Threatened in various regions due to factors such as poisoning from toxic baits, hunting, and habitat loss.
