41 Parrots Rescued From Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Released Into Maya Biosphere Reserve

Photos By: HSI

A group of 41 iconic parrots, comprised of various species, has been released into the Maya Biosphere Reserve. These iconic birds are native to Latin America and were rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking.

The release of the parrots into their natural habitat was made possible through the collaborative efforts of animal welfare nonprofit organizations, Asociacion Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre (ARCAS) and Humane Society International (HSI) /Latin America, who have worked together since 2007 to protect wildlife in Guatemala.

The majority of the parrots were confiscated by authorities in 2021 while confined in wooden boxes at a hotel in Flores, Peten. The remaining parrots were rescued and transported to ARCAS the same year. After completing their quarantine, they integrated with the initial group of rescued parrots and progressed together in their rehabilitation journey.

Andrea Borel, the executive director of HSI/Latin America, highlighted that the increasing prevalence of negative human-wildlife interactions and illegal trafficking of wild birds, including parrots, is a growing concern in the region.

“The capture of wild animals for the national and international pet trade is a real problem in Guatemala. These animals are often kept in cramped, inadequate conditions, and denied the ability to exhibit their natural behaviors, which can further cause them physical and psychological distress,” said Borel.

“By supporting and working with our local partner, ARCAS, this rescue, rehabilitation, and release program is giving these birds back their freedom, as well as increasing their wild populations to ensure future breeding in their natural forest habitat where they belong. We also work together on raising awareness and urging citizens not to buy products made from wildlife and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities,” continued Borel.

“In our Rescue Center, the animals’ physical, medical, and ethological rehabilitation is carried out under strict standards and in compliance with protocols for the different species that are brought in as a result of illegal trafficking or negative interactions with human beings, to later be released into the Mayan Biosphere Reserve,” said Fernando Martinez, director of ARCAS

“The birds will be monitored for 15 days through direct observation methods on previously designed platforms and trails,” continued Martinez.

ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center and HSI staff, under the supervision of the governmental National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), facilitated the release of the parrots in the Maya Biosphere Reserve.