On June 21, 2024, a special journey began across the Maluku Islands in Indonesia as 68 rescued animals, once caught in the illegal pet trade, finally returned home.
This remarkable group, including White Cockatoos, Chattering Lories, Violet-Necked Parrots, and Moluccan Cockatoos, was rescued by forestry officers over the past year and entrusted to the North Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency. From there, they were brought to Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre, where they received dedicated care and rehabilitation as they awaited their release.
After months of preparation and final health checks, they began the long journey from North Sulawesi to Ternate and Ambon, crossing land and sea. After a brief rest to recover from the first leg of their journey, the first group made their way to Halmahera Island, where they were reintroduced to their natural habitat. After enduring the hardships of the illegal pet trade, months of dedicated rehabilitation, and long travels, they were finally able to take flight in their native home and once again be wild and free.
Releases like these are rare and precious. Too many animals never escape the confines of the illegal trade, but thanks to the dedication of North Sulawesi and Ternate BKSDA, WCS-IP, Yayasan Masarang, Tasikoki, and the World Parrot Trust, these birds have a second chance.
📹 Please watch this beautiful video capturing their journey back to freedom.
We are proud to fight the illegal pet trade and support parrots being returned to their native habitats.
World Parrot Trust
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https://www.parrots.org/donate
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https://www.parrots.org/projects
We protect parrots. WPT is a leading, science-based, results-oriented parrot conservation and welfare organization.
World Parrot Trust
