Topatopa – Last Flight of the Condor – by Tim Bowles

Description

Signed Print | Size 12″ x 18″

This piece is based on a photograph of Topatopa, a California condor central to early conservation efforts for the species. Born in 1966, Topatopa became one of the first wild-born condors brought into managed care as part of the emergency recovery program in the late 1980s, when the population had declined to critically low numbers.

The image reflects a real moment from that period, capturing the bird in its last flight immediately prior to its capture and transition into the conservation program. While difficult, these efforts were essential to preventing extinction and rebuilding what is now a slowly recovering population of the California Condor.

Tim’s original painting spanned eight feet, with the condor rendered at true-to-life scale of a 6ft wingspan to demonstrate the full size and unbelievable physical presence of the species. This print maintains that focus, emphasizing the bird’s size, structure, and significance without added interpretation.

Each print is part of a limited series, numbered and personally signed by the artist.