PlusEndangered Condors Rescued From Path of WildfireEndangered Condors Rescued From Path of WildfireThe Associated PressIn an unusual rescue, the Coast Guard evacuated eight captive California condors by helicopter when a wildfire threatened their sanctuary. (June 24)As hundreds of wildfires burn across California, the Coast Guard is swooping in, trying to save animals in harm’s way. It took two flights, but crews were able to rescue eight endangered birds when a wildfire threatened their sanctuary. Five condors and two wildlife society members were rescued in the first flight. And in the second flight, three more birds and the remaining wildlife rescuer were pulled to safety. A group that prepares captive-bred condors for life in the wild pleaded for help after a fire broke out nearby over the weekend. The fire in Monterey County, California was sparked by lightning Saturday and quickly spread. By Monday night, the fire had grown to more than 7-thousand acres. And the fate of the condor release site remains unknown. The evacuated birds were taken to another condor site at the Pinnacles National Monument, where they’ll be released later this year. It’s believed that only 315 California condors exist– and only half of them are in the wild. ___ ___, The Associated Press.