NEW ARRIVALS

In December 2009 the Limbe Wildlife Centre took in 503 African grey parrots. They were confiscated in Douala Airport – ready to be sent out of the country. On the 1st of February another confiscation took place in the airport and this time we received 1050 parrots. These parrots were supposed to go to Kuwait and Bahrain. It is terrible to see the birds upon arrival. They were packed in small boxes without water and food, and many had already died.

When parrots arrive at the LWC they are housed in spacious enclosures and first of all get some days of rest and good food. They have to recover from the stress. We then have to check each parrots for its condition. Many of them have their wing feathers cut or tied up, are covered with glue and/ or are too skinny. The ones that are in good condition are selected and set aside for release. The ones with damaged wings are brought under anesthesia in order to pluck their feathers. This way the feathers will regrow faster. It is a lot of work and it costs a lot of money. Fortunately, we have received support from many organizations and we would like to thank each of them (Born Free Foundation, World Parrot Trust, Columbus Zoo and Association pour la Protection des Animaux Sauvages).

Almost half of all the parrots have already been released. It is a great pleasure to see them fly away into the natural forest environment. In time the others will follow.

Dr. Pedro A. Ynterian
President, GAP Project International