Project Costa Rica

Returning the Parrots to Tiskita

…and the story of Boss and Orange: Near-tragedy to triumph

TThe World Parrot Trust is collaborating with ARA Project to help the Scarlet Macaw return to the wilds of Costa Rica. Thanks to the sponsorship provided by HUGO BOSS – BOSS Orange, a group of 10 birds have already been released returned back to the wild at the Tiskita Biological Reserve, Osa Conservation Area. At this location, the birds will join more than 80 other Scarlet Macaws that have already learned to live again, wild and free thanks to the hard work and dedication of these protectors of the parrots.

In Costa Rica, the ARA Project has worked for many years to save the Scarlet Macaw and another endangered parrot, the Great Green Macaw, at their breeding centre in Rio Segundo de Alajuela. The Project’s sole purpose is to breed macaws for eventual release into the wild. Many of the birds in their care have originated from confiscated, rescued, and injured birds, all rehabilitated and flock mated to form pairs. Two macaws, named Boss and Orange, have uniquely tragic stories of how they came to live at the project.

Read the Story of Boss and Orange »

Once widespread, the Scarlet Macaw is now regionally extinct in much of its range in Central America. A stunning red/orange in colour with yellow and blue highlights, this bird is one of the most recognisable of the parrots. Sadly its vibrant colours and personality have made it a victim of the trade in wild-caught parrots, where it has been widely desired as a pet bird.