Photo by: Rodrigo Pop/ Humane World for Animals Costa Rica
In a heartwarming victory for wildlife conservation, 28 parrots rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Guatemala have been successfully reintroduced back into the jungle. This achievement is the result of years of dedicated rehabilitation by the Asociación Rescate y Conservación de Vida Silvestre (ARCAS), with the support of Humane World for Animals Costa Rica.
The 28 parrots were released into a remote part of the Rio Azul National Park in Petén, following a grueling three-day journey by road and foot. The exact location of the release is being kept secret to protect the parrots as they readjust to life in the wild.
Most of the parrots were taken in as chicks or juveniles, many of them confiscated by law enforcement or rescued from dangerous situations. Traffickers had clipped their wings, a cruel and common practice to keep the birds from flying, making them easier to sell as exotic pets. Others were discovered grounded, having been displaced from their nests by strong storms.
“These parrots are lucky to be alive and have survived against the odds because mortality rates are high for birds trafficked for the pet trade. The wildlife trade is intimately linked to social economic challenges in Guatemala because the traffickers persuade individuals from some rural communities to enter the jungle and remove chicks from their nests in return for money or food,” said Andrea Borel, executive director of Humane World for Animals Costa Rica.
The species released include the white-fronted amazon, red-lored amazon, white-crowned parrot, and the endangered southern mealy amazon. All face serious threats from habitat destruction, deforestation, and relentless poaching for the pet trade. These colorful birds are stolen from their nests and sold for hundreds of dollars, ultimately ending up in homes across Latin America, the U.S., and Europe.
Wildlife trafficking is a global crisis that extends far beyond the plight of parrots; thousands of species are victimized daily. From elephants targeted for their ivory to reptiles crammed into crates, the black market for wildlife ranks among one of the largest illegal trades in the world. This devastating practice destroys ecosystems, drives species to the brink of extinction, and inflicts suffering on innocent animals. Yet, amidst this grim reality, there are hopeful stories emerging that inspire change.
“The parrot chicks were in a bad state when they came to us, weak and dehydrated with deliberate mutilation of their wings to prevent them from flying away. It’s always such a tragedy to see beautiful wild birds in these conditions, but our dedicated staff nursed them back to health and taught them the skills they will need to survive in the jungle where they belong. It’s been a long and stressful journey for these parrots since they were last among the forest trees, but it was thrilling to see them spread their wings in freedom once again,” said Fernando Martinez, director of ARCAS Peten.
Since 2007, ARCAS and Humane World for Animals Costa Rica have been working together to give trafficked animals a second chance at life. With the support of Guatemala’s National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), they’ve helped hundreds of birds, mammals, and reptiles return back to the wild.
The 28 newly released parrots will be monitored over a 15-day period to ensure they are adjusting well to their new environment.
