How the California condor escaped extinction â and a genetic bottleneck After going from just 22 animals up to over 500, the California condor is a conservation success story. Social Sharing CBC Radio · Posted: May 14, 2021 4:41 PM ET | Last Updated: May 14 Forty years after their population dwindled down to just 22 animals in captivity, the California Condor's recovery is a conservation success story, with a population now numbering over 500.(San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)