Andean condors are scavengers that feed on large mammal carcasses. Lead fragments in carcasses from hunters using lead ammunition cause lead poisoning, which is now a significant welfare and conservation concern across their Andean range.
Lead-poisoned condors experience progressive neurological deterioration including inability to fly, loss of coordination, and protracted death. Lead poisoning from ammunition is entirely preventable by switching to copper or steel alternatives. Each poisoned condor represents not only individual suffering but demographic harm to a species with very slow reproductive rates (one egg per pair every two years). The welfare case for non-toxic ammunition is identical to the conservation case.