Zoo welcomes rare endangered parrots to boost breeding program

By Adam Dutton via SWNS

A UK zoo has welcomed two of the world's most endangered parrots as part of a breeding program to help save them from extinction.

The pair of red-fronted macaws have arrived at Twycross Zoo in Little Orton, Leics., with the hope they will "fall in love" and breed.

The birds are one of the most endangered species of parrot on the planet - with fewer than 300 remaining in the wild.

Native to Bolivia, they are currently listed as “critically endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The pair recently arrived from Edinburgh Zoo and Welsh Mountain Zoo as part of a specialist European conservation program.

Bosses say it marks an "important milestone" in the conservation of the species as their global population continues to decline.

Assistant bird curator Rhys McKie previously worked at Edinburgh Zoo and was among the team that was there when the male macaw hatched.

He said: "It’s always an exciting day when a new animal arrives at the zoo but being reunited was a really special moment.

“When he hatched last year, it was the first time in over 15 years that the species had been successfully bred at the zoo.

"So, to now give him a home at Twycross Zoo where he will continue the conservation journey and hopefully breed more of this rare species, is very momentous for me.

“The species stands out for their bright red forehead of feathers and long blue-green tail.

"In the wild, these parrots can only be found in a small semi-desert, mountainous region of Bolivia, making them unique amongst macaws.

"In this arid climate, the birds feed on desert plants like cactus and are one of the main seed dispersers for the plant.

"I’m looking forward to our visitors getting the chance to see them and our other stunning parrot species in our parrot habitat.”

Dr. Rebecca Biddle, director of conservation at Twycross Zoo, added: “I’m delighted to welcome a brand-new breeding pair to the zoo and I’m so proud to see Twycross Zoo leading the way for the conservation of this incredibly important species.

“Red-fronted macaws are among the most endangered species of parrot on the planet, so bringing this pair to Twycross to hopefully facilitate breeding further down the line, is a necessary and important step to save this species.”

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