One gratifying success on behalf of wildlife was a milestone for the California condor: more than 500 birds were now living, and more than half of those were flying in their native habitat. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recognized this extraordinary achievement with the 2017 North American Conservation Award, given to San Diego Zoo Global, Los Angeles Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Phoenix Zoo, and Santa Barbara Zoo, all part of the California Condor Bi-national Recovery and Reintroduction Program. What started in the 1980s, with only 22 condors left on the planet, proved that dedication and cooperation—along with amazing people that developed extraordinary skills—could, in fact, save a species from what had once seemed certain extinction.