The brightly colored feathers of the Guayaquil Macaw offer a cheerful sight, but the outlook for this endangered bird isn’t quite as sunny. Currently the wild population of this sensitive species is only 100 birds. Luckily, a promising program in Equador is offering hope to our feathered friends.
The focus of this project is on breeding pairs of captive birds that have been rescued or surrendered to the Ecuadorian government - and then releasing these bred birds back into their natural environment. The facility is located inside the coastal rainforest enabling released birds to be easily monitored.
The SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks have been involved with the program since 1998 when they allowed biologists to shadow staff members in our parks and review husbandry practices. As a result, more than 30 chicks have been born since 2003.
The program also works with the local government to rescue many other local animal species - from Spectacled Bears to American Crocodiles. The SeaWorld & Busch Garden’s Conservation Fund is proud to be involved in the project and has supplied grants to further strides in the captive rearing of Guayaquil Macaw. For more information, please visit www.fundacionjambeli.org
