We’re excited to share the story of Elizabeth “Liz” Libert, an aspiring Wildlife Biologist whose passion for conservation has led her to work on one of the most crucial endangered species recovery projects in the U.S. Liz recently completed a role as a California Condor technician with the Yurok Tribe, where she had the unique opportunity to help reintroduce captive-bred condors back into the wild.
Liz’s journey into wildlife biology began with her love for animals, particularly endangered species. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Wildlife Ecology, she was drawn to the California Condor program because of her longstanding fascination with these majestic birds. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, with only 22 individuals in captivity, California condors now number over 560, with more than half thriving in the wild. Liz was eager to play a role in their recovery.
“I’ve always been a wildlife nerd,” she explains. “Growing up, I read about endangered species and conservation efforts, and the condor story always stood out. Getting to work on this project felt like a chance to help ensure biodiversity and contribute to this incredible success story.”
The most rewarding part of Liz’s job was witnessing the condors’ release into their natural habitat. During her time with the Yurok Tribe, Liz helped release seven captive-bred condors in the Pacific Northwest. The birds went through a “soft release” process, gradually acclimating to the wild before their full release. Liz and her team tracked the birds for a week after their release, using radio telemetry to observe their behavior and integration into the wild flock.
“It was amazing to see them learn to fly, find their own roosts, and even interact with the older, free-flying birds,” Liz says. “Watching them adjust and thrive in their natural environment felt like a real accomplishment.”
While the work was rewarding, it also came with its challenges. Liz recalls one aspect of the job that initially made her uneasy—working with carcasses. As obligate carrion eaters, California condors rely on scavenging large mammal carcasses, such as deer and marine mammals. A significant portion of Liz’s job involved handling carcasses, often in varying stages of decay.
“At first, I was definitely uncomfortable, especially when dealing with maggot-covered carcasses,” Liz admits. “But over time, I became desensitized to it. By the end of my time with the project, I found that the carcass work became almost cathartic. And I certainly have some funny (and gross) stories to share now!”
Looking back, Liz reflects on the valuable lessons she learned during her time with the California Condor program. The experience taught her the importance of embracing challenges head-on and finding the positives in less-than-pleasant situations.
“Working with carcasses wasn’t fun, but I had to remind myself that it was all for a greater cause,” Liz says. “Sometimes, in conservation, you have to do the hard work, the things that aren’t glamorous, but they’re vital to ensuring that species like the condors can thrive.”
In addition to her work with condors, Liz captured a memorable photo of a green tree frog hiding among invasive Himalayan blackberries. As she picked the berries to make jelly, she noticed the frog camouflaging itself on the plant. This moment highlighted another aspect of conservation: the importance of managing invasive species. By removing invasive plants like Himalayan blackberries, Liz contributed to the health of the local ecosystem, proving that conservation efforts come in many forms.
“Even the small actions, like picking invasive berries, can make a difference,” Liz explains. “It’s all about making the environment healthier for the wildlife around us.”
Liz’s story is an inspiring reminder of the impact individuals can have in conservation, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Her experience with the California Condor project not only deepened her love for wildlife, but it also reinforced the importance of perseverance and dedication to protecting species for future generations.