Parrots in Freedom, Beauty Returns
The Scarlet Macaw was once a common parrot – it was found over much of Central and South America. For centuries the birds have appealed to people in this region, event being kept by the ancient Mayans more than 2000 years ago. In Honduras, the macaw has become the country’s National Bird but sadly it is seldom seen, having been trapped almost into extinction for the wild-caught bird trade.
With the sponsorship provided by BOSS Orange, the World Parrot Trust, Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve, the Honduran Institute of Anthropogy and History (IHAH), and the Copan Association took the initiative of beginning an effort to save the species. Together these organizations have launched a multi-year plan to return Scarlet Macaws to the Parque Arqueologico Ruinas De Copan, a national park and Mayan Heritage Site.
At this UNESCO location, ground breaking for a feeding and release facility at the archaeological park (funded by BOSS Orange and World Parrot Trust) was initiated in the spring of 2011, where four Scarlet Macaws were released. In addition, a ten-month educational program that has reached thousands of children was launched at local area schools.
With a little luck, much hard work and sustained efforts by these organizations, the sounds of these birds will once again fill the skies over Copan and the other wild areas in Honduras.
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