Kelsey Schroeder- Zion Mug

Handmade ceramic mug featuring hand sculpted California Condor and landscape scene inspired by Zion National Park. Approximately 17 oz

This collection was inspired by national parks in the US and endangered species that are protected by those parks.  The national parks provide crucial conservation efforts for numerous species of animals and plants through habitat protection, recovery and reintroduction programs, and scientific research for further protection efforts. Protecting the species within the parks not only preserves them for future generations, but also helps to maintain the overall health and long term resiliency of the parks' ecosystems.  

The California condor is the largest land bird in North America with a wingspan of 9.5 feet and weighing up to 25 pounds.  While the species used to range over much of the US, by 1982 there were only 22 individuals remaining. The last wild condors were captured for breeding programs and conservation of the species.  After successful breeding in captivity and reintroduction to the wild their numbers have increased to over 400 individuals (about half of which live wild in the American southwest).  These birds are now breeding successfully in the wild, with pairs mating for life and producing one egg every other year.  While progress is slow their numbers are climbing.  I have been lucky enough to see these magnificent birds in Zion National Park and they are truly majestic to see flying past the towering canyon walls. The condor is a scavenger which means they eat only dead animals, helping to prevent the spread of diseases to other species and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Each species is crucial to the balance of these most beautiful places and it is up to us to be sure they are protected.

50% of the proceeds from this mug will be donated to the National Parks Foundation to help their conservation efforts and preservation of the sacred places that make up our national parks.  To learn more about their work please visit www.nationalparks.org

To see more of Kelsey's creations be sure to follow her on Instagram @kelseyceramics

All materials used are food safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe.  However, to best protect the fine details I recommend hand washing.