generation gap
...ica, is a one of Earth's oldest species, tracing its origins back to the Pleistocene era, when sabre-tooth tigers and mastodons roamed. Like AC-8, condors can grow to have a wingspan of 9 feet. AC-8, short for Adult Condor No. 8, spent the next 14 years hatching a generation of youngsters who bore the same tough survival instincts that she possessed. She produced 15 offspring, 12 born in captivity and three from eggs produced before her Nobody knows her exact age because she was born free, but it is estimated she was between 30 and 40 years old, nearing the end of her life. For her long service in saving her species, she was granted freedom in 2000. Wildlife experts were hoping that the wise, old bird would serve as a mentor and teach her survival techniques to the younger birds. Experts like to recapture birds that have been freed to ensure their health and survivability. AC-8, who had grown wary of humankind despite her years in captivity, only allowed herself to be captured one more time when she was treated for lead poisoning for consuming bullets in a carcass. She was released once mor...