Monday, July 11, 2011

The Next Generation of Bonaire’s Parrots and Parakeets Need Help

On Friday, July 1st, after receiving a confidential tip, STINAPA seized a group of 112 parrots and parakeets from an illegal trader, along with a variety of other illegal animals. These birds are native to Bonaire and were believed to be bound for Curacao where they would be sold into the pet trade.  To help with the birds, STINAPA asked Echo--a World Parrot Trust FlyFree partner--to assist with the recovery and care of the birds.

Many were close to perishing, and one had already died. The foundation began immediate care of the parrots and parakeets--yellow-shouldered Amazons and brown-throated Conures, and their staff worked through the night by lantern to try to save them. The birds were in a terrible state, and desperately needed feeding after being kept in appalling conditions and without food for several days. Out of the 112 birds about 90 babies now require one-on-one care.

The immediate need for these youngsters is hand-feeding formula. The team will attempt to foster some of the parrots into wild nests, but many of the chicks are very young and may have months to go before they are able to eat on their own.  Intensive care is needed right now to help these birds survive.  After the first week, there are now 82 unweaned chicks which are now being hand fed twice each day.  Although Echo has received emergency financial aid from the World Parrot Trust, which covers the immediate needs of these parrots, there is a need for both financial donations as well as volunteer workers.  It’s hoped that all these birds can be released back into the wild, once they are able to fend for themselves.

If you are interested in assisting financially, donations can be made via the Echo web site by clicking here.  Those who are on Bonaire now or in the coming weeks, can help with feeding.  Please contact Sam Williams at Echo Bonaire be calling 795-1188.  (Source:  Echo)