The California condor is still critically endangered, but there are signs of hope for the birds. Their population has continued to rise over the previous years. In 1982, there were only 22 birds left in the wild. But by 2019, the population had grown to 1000 birds. The conservation efforts focused on a breeding program at the Los Angeles and San Diego Zoos. In 1992, they were able to begin releasing breed birds back into the wild.