Is the World Parrot Trust a registered charity?
The WPT is a registered charity in the United Kingdom (800944), United States (EIN 62-1561595) and Canada (BN: 89004 1171 RR0001).
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How did the World Parrot Trust start?
In 1973 founder Mike Reynolds opened Bird Paradise, which later became Paradise Park. From the beginning, Mike recognised that Paradise Park provided great family entertainment and an excellent opportunity to learn about the conservation of rare animals. As he learned more about the issues affecting parrots in the wild, Mike decided that this family of birds required a dedicated effort if the most critical would be saved from extinction. In 1989 he and several others established the World Parrot Trust (WPT) with the aim of preserving parrots in the wild and ensuring the welfare of captive birds. See: History and Accomplishments
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Does WPT have local/regional branches?
Yes, we do. Find a branch in your area.
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How do you decide what species/projects to focus on?
At WPT, we take a global approach and focus on the most endangered parrots as our top priority. However, our ability to really help their recovery also depends a lot on in-country partners, political stability, the presence of a lack of corruption, permits, and many other factors, so we evaluate all these factors and more to decide how we can most effectively invest precious conservation funding to conserve endangered wild parrots.
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Why don’t you save my favourite species of parrot - it’s endangered too?
Unfortunately, there are many more threatened birds than we are able to help. As such we often need to prioritize our actions to where they will have the greatest impact.
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How is WPT different from other parrot conservation groups?
To protect wild parrots we take a very direct, hands-on approach to our work to bring about the best solution where it is most urgently needed. Our efforts are scientifically based, and we rely heavily on collaborating with, and empowering, in-country partners to complete the work. To boost parrot welfare, we work diligently to shut down the global trade in wild-caught birds as well as providing a comprehensive set of online and print resource to enhance the knowledge of parrot caregivers. See: How We Work
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We know that some parrots are endangered - why is this?
Many parrot species (nearly one in three) are under threat in the wild because of human disturbance. Habitat loss and trapping for the wildlife trade are the two main causes of population decline in parrots. Other causes are persecution, hunting and the introduction of non-native predators.
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Why should we save parrots? What do they do for me?
Parrots face numerous conservation issues in the wild, and welfare issues in captivity. See: Why Save Parrots
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Is there some good news about parrots?
Today there is more parrot research and conservation work being undertaken by the World Parrot Trust and other international organizations than at any other time in history. Successful actions for several species are now underway, with an increasing number of efforts on the horizon. Although the challenges faced by parrots are many, there are good reasons for hope. See: WPT Projects
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What do you spend our donations on?
For dedicated funds, 100% of the contributions received are directed towards related conservation efforts. Expenditures will vary a great deal depending on the desired outcomes of the projects. For general funds, the expenditures are allocated to where they are most urgently needed.
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Do you adopt/rehome parrots?
WPT does not adopt or rehome parrots. We suggest that you contact your avian veterinarian or local shelter for references to reputable rescues to surrender your bird to. Also, refer to our Specialty Groups and Publications page for information on local bird clubs.
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Do you sell/breed parrots?
WPT does not sell or breed parrots. We urge individuals to adopt a parrot from a well-regarded sanctuary or rescue. If you want a bird from a pet shop, ensure that it has been acquired from a reliable source (reputable breeder) and that it has been properly weaned. Regardless of the origin remember to also ask for references about the facility, breeder or shop. See the article: Questions to ask when buying a parrot
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What do you do with parrots that are confiscated from the trade?
WPT works with in-country partners and wildlife rescue centres to ensure the safe return, to the wild, of rehabilitated parrots that are able to fend for themselves. All birds are individually evaluated for their suitability for release, as well as being screened for infectious diseases. They are reintroduced to areas where birds have been extirpated (have disappeared). For birds that are unable to be released (usually due to an injury) we attempt to place them in a suitable environment where they will be well looked after. They are often utilized in an educational setting within local communities where they become ambassadors for their species, as they raise awareness for the plight of their kind. Learn more at: WPT's FlyFree Program
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How do you prevent disease transmission from released birds to wild birds?
Working with our in-country partners we ensure that all birds to be released back to the wild are tested for disease beforehand. They are also placed in quarantine to be monitored for any signs of illness.
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How does WPT feel about working with other groups/orgs?
Over the decades WPT has a strong track record of working with hundreds of individuals, groups, organizations, NGOs, corporate and government entities. See: Current Collaborators
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How do I return my companion parrot to the wild?
At the WPT we often receive questions from individuals who strongly feel that their birds might be better off and happier if they were returned to the wild. While we applaud this desire, we strongly advise against release, for the sake of the individual birds’ welfare, and for the wellbeing of wild populations. Returning parrots to the wild can be done successfully, and increasingly so, but only when carried out under well-managed programs, most of which cannot be undertaken by individual parrot caregivers. Learn More
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What are the Lory Conservation Network, FlyFree, and Africa Conservation Programmes?
Collaborative programs such as these vary considerably in their goals and outcomes, so much so that we have created individual websites for each programme. See: Campaigns
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I need to interview someone in your organisation – whom do I contact?
Please reach out to our Media Representatives to find someone near you to contact.
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