The Peregrine Fund Inc

What it reported doing in 2024

The California condor recovery program-led by the peregrine fund (tpf) in collaboration with federal, state, tribal, and private partners-combines intensive wild population management with a robust captive propagation program to recover one of the world's most critically endangered species. Through coordinated breeding, strategic releases, rigorous scientific monitoring, and cross-jurisdictional conservation initiatives, the program aims to establish a viable, self-sustaining population of California condors in northern Arizona, southern Utah, and across the species' historic range. (continued on schedule o) since 1996, tpf has released 274 captive-reared condors into the arizonautah region and confirmed 69 wild-hatched young from 35 unique breeding pairs. The wild population now stands at 360+ birds - a significant increase over the species' low of just 22 individuals in 1982 - and contributes to a global population approaching 600 birds, with more condors now living in the wild than in captivity for the first time in modern recovery history.wild population management is supported by continuous gps-enabled tracking, health assessments, nest monitoring, and rapid response to emerging threats. Research on foraging ecology, movement patterns, reproduction, and toxicology continues to inform adaptive management. However, adult mortality remains driven primarily by lead poisoning: in fy25, 67% of tested birds required chelation therapy, and although fatalities declined, blood-lead levels reached record highs. Partnerships with Arizona game and fish department and Utah division of wildlife resources have strengthened voluntary lead-reduction efforts, with hunter participation exceeding 80%, but lead from small-caliber ammunition and carcass disposal remains a persistent challenge. Disease management has also become critical; the 2023 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (hpai), which caused 21 deaths in three weeks, prompted enhanced surveillance, new biosecurity protocols, and mandatory vaccination of all pre-release birds.the program resumed releases in 2024 following the hpai-related pause, with thirteen birds released in fy25 and fourteen more planned for fy26. Increased gps deployment, expanded access to private lands, and strengthened partnerships have improved detection and response times for sick or injured birds. Despite nine mortalities in fy25-from lead, trauma, disease, and human-caused incidents-releases, rescues, and treatment helped stabilize the population trajectory.supporting this field effort, the peregrine fund's world center for birds of prey (wcbp) maintains a genetically diverse captive flock and produces 16 to 20 chicks annually for release. In 2025, wcbp managed 66 condors, including 18 breeding pairs and 14 nestlings, with strong reproductive success: 65% egg viability, 80% hatchability, and 100% nestling survival. Eight juveniles were transferred to the yurok condor restoration program for release, while two were retained for genetic or welfare reasons. New breeding pairs were established based on updated genetic recommendations, increasing total breeding pairs to 21. Major infrastructure improvements-including completion of condor barn 4 and upgrades to older facilities-enhanced breeding performance, handling efficiency, and welfare. Disease prevention remained a core focus, with universal west nile virus vaccinations and ongoing hpai immunization efforts.emerging propagation challenges include declining fertility and eggshell quality in older females, many now over 40 years old, prompting evaluation of retirement strategies and reassignment of roles to maintain long-term productivity. Continued investment in facility renovation, equipment modernization, veterinary capacity, and genetic management remains essential to sustain annual production targets and support all release programs nationwide.together, the propagation and reintroduction components of the California condor recovery program have

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 78.8%; rating input score 79
• Fundraising efficiency: $4.93 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 20; 20th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 2 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 33
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: 2 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 25
  • Claims monitoring procedures: Pass
  • Requires narrative reports: Pass
  • Conducts field audits: Fail
  • May suspend future funding: Fail
  • Requires financial reports: Fail
  • Conducts site visits: Fail
  • Requires grant agreements: Fail
  • May require repayment: Fail
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 95.5%; rating input score 95; 29th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -32.5%; rating input score 3; 3rd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 3.41; rating input score 78; 78th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.05; rating input score 84; 84th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 7.9%; rating input score 30; 30th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 8.1% per year; rating input score 100; 61st percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 9.5% per year; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 7.5% per year; rating input score 100; 51st percentile among comparable filings