Rescued African gray parrots return to DRC forests

Mongabay
Mongabay
2M ago 34 views
Fifty African gray parrots were released into the wild in the DRC after rehabilitation from poaching. This matters as it highlights ongoing conservation efforts amid illegal wildlife trade challenges.
Rescued African gray parrots return to DRC forests
A What happened
The Lukuru Foundation successfully released 50 African gray parrots into the wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in October 2025, following a year of rehabilitation after being rescued from poachers. This release is part of a broader conservation effort coinciding with a new decree that prohibits the capture and trade of African gray parrots. Despite these efforts, conservationists warn that poaching remains a significant threat, with reports of ongoing illegal capture in local communities. The foundation has established multiple rehabilitation centers, including a new one at Kisangani Zoo, which has already received over 100 parrots. However, ensuring the safety of released birds is challenging, as there is a risk they may be recaptured. Conservationists stress the importance of community engagement and law enforcement to protect these birds and combat the illegal wildlife trade effectively.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Ongoing poaching threat

    Despite a ban, poaching of African gray parrots continues in local communities.

  • 2

    Need for community awareness

    Raising awareness is crucial to prevent recapture of released parrots.

  • 3

    Rehabilitation costs

    Caring for rescued parrots involves significant financial resources.

Takeaways

The release of the African gray parrots marks a positive step in conservation efforts, but ongoing challenges from poaching and the need for community involvement highlight the complexities of wildlife protection in the DRC.

Topics

Environment Wildlife Conservation