Pet Care and Wild Parrot Rehabilitation Program on Bonaire

Kota is a pet parrot on Bonaire. He has an unsightly tumour on his neck but it's only a fatty lump and it can be removed with a simple surgical procedure. The lump is the result of a seed based diet and no exercise. Kota lives in a small cage and he doesn't even have a wooden perch. A few simple changes and a little education for the people he lives with could make a huge difference for him.

There are many pet parrots living in similar conditions on Bonaire and your support can help the Echo team to improve the lives of these individuals.

Biscuit was an unweaned wild parrot chick when he was found with a broken leg. His leg was splinted and the Echo team diligently cared for him. He is now weaned, his leg is fixed and he only has a slight limp. He will be released back into the wild with other rescued parrots in January 2012.

Thatcher may not be so lucky. He is a wild parrot who was brought to the Echo team with a broken wing. Without access to the proper equipment, Echo's vet Jon couldn't care for Thatcher as he would have liked. Jon strapped Thatcher's wing up to help the healing process, and it appears to be doing ok, but he will probably never fly again.

If Echo had the right equipment and support they could provide free veterinary care for pet parrots like Kota, and take better care of the broken wild parrots that are brought to them, like Thatcher.

Your support will make a dramatic difference to the lives of parrots like Kota and Thatcher.

With your help the dedicated Echo team will also be able to make house visits across the island taking fresh branches, toys and better foods with them. By working with local people in a fun and friendly way the Echo team will make an immediate and lasting change for these parrots.

Please help the parrots of Bonaire -- make a donation today.

More background:
Keeping Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrots as pets is traditional on Bonaire despite it being illegal to capture wild parrots since 1952. In 2002 the Bonaire Island Government implemented a pet parrot amnesty and registration campaign. All pet parrots were ringed. Any person now found to have a pet without a ring faces prosecution and confiscation.

Habitat loss and degradation results in fewer nest sites and food availably. This drives wild parrots into urban environments where they experience more risks, such as collisions with buildings, cars and wires. Echo is working towards habitat restoration.

Keep up to date with all aspects of Echo's work:
http://www.facebook.com/echobonaire.org

Learn more about Echo:
http://www.echobonaire.org/