On March 10, nonprofits, veterinarians, rescue groups, conservationists and pet guardians will recognize International Parrot Crisis Awareness Day. This day highlights the existential crises facing both wild and captive parrots around the world. Parrots are sentient beings often viewed as valuable commodities, when in fact they’re not well-suited for a life in captivity.
Did you know that every time a parrot is purchased from a store or a breeder, their “value” trickles down to areas where they fly free? Twenty-nine percent of all parrot species on the planet are listed as critically endangered, endangered or threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Fifty-eight percent of all parrot species are in decline. In many areas, the poaching rate is 100% — no chicks escape the wildlife trade. Ninety percent of trapped birds die after capture. Despite international anti-poaching policies around the world, including in the United States, parrots continue to be trafficked, often by marginalized people in search of economic opportunity — all to meet the demands of the global pet trade.
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Did you know that parrots are one of the most frequently abandoned companion animals? Their wild nature and natural inclination for loud and frequent vocalizations, aggression and need to chew wood, along other enrichment and social needs, are too much for most guardians. Standard breeding industry practices, such as hand-rearing chicks — i.e., parental deprivation — further complicate factors, as they actually undermine a parrot’s ability to mature into a psychologically healthy, well-adjusted adult, and increases the likelihood of a bird’s failure as a “pet.”
Did you know that humans often inadvertently create an exclusive pair-bond with their parrot that’s unsustainable when the parrot becomes sexually mature? Breeders and pet stores don’t provide the necessary education and often pass parrots off as “low-maintenance” companions. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even the most loving and knowledgeable parrot guardians often find themselves unable to care for their longtime pets in the event of declining health, financial struggle or other life circumstances. Many parrot species can live up to 80 years in captivity and some find themselves relegated to garages, basements and other socially deprived areas when guardians cannot handle their needs. So, it’s not surprising that sanctuaries and rescues across the globe are at capacity, unable to address daily requests for surrender as more and more birds flood the market from breeders and pet stores.
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The best way to help parrots is to adopt or foster them from well-regarded rescues and to support your local rescue or sanctuary. Learn all you can about their natural history and needs. Never buy animals sold on Nextdoor or Craigslist, or at “expos.” If you love parrots, don’t buy, breed or sell them. If you have a parrot already and want to learn more about what they need for a safe and enriching environment, visit Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue’s website at Mickaboo.org to register for a free online class. To learn more or get involved with protecting parrots, follow the International Alliance for the Protection of Parrots @Alliance4Parrots or visit parrotalliance.org.
Maggie Ruffo is a volunteer with Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue. Marin Humane contributes Tails of Marin and welcomes questions and comments. Visit marinhumane.org, find us on social media @marinhumane or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.