African grey parrots homecoming story
We moved endangered African grey parrots to Congo to their natural habitat.
#MissionRescue
African grey parrots homecoming story
African grey parrots
The grey African parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is one of the world's most talented talking birds, known for its extraordinary intelligence and strong mimicry. Living in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa, these parrots are noted for their social and emotional intelligence, and some even show the ability to understand human language.
Victim of illegal trade
The grey African parrot is an endangered species, listed in Appendix I of the CITES convention and is the most trafficked parrot species in the world. Their extinction is threatened by habitat destruction and illegal trade. Therefore, international conservation efforts are crucial both to protect their role in the ecosystem and to combat illegal trade.
Rescue operation
Grey macaws were captured during illegal smuggling operations in Spain. International authorities and organizations such as the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition, Wild at Life, the Foundation for Research in Ethology and Biodiversity (FIEB), the CITES Administrative Authority and the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) worked in collaboration to reintroduce the rescued parrots to their natural habitat.
Initial discussions
Following an extensive assessment process for grey African parrots, the Democratic Republic of Congo was identified as the most suitable destination due to the successful conservation project at Tchimpounga Nature Reserve. In 2023, initial discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo CITES Management Authority were welcomed and the groundwork was laid for the technical preparations of the project. After extensive examinations, 34 parrots were found suitable for the project.
The journey home
Turkish Cargo undertook the parrots' journey home in line with its mission to prevent illegal animal life trade. Within the scope of the Mission Rescue project, 34 grey African parrots were transported safely and healthily from Madrid to Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo.
#MissionRescue
Freedom: A new life
After their arrival, the parrots underwent a rehabilitation process at Tchimpounga Nature Reserve to be reintroduced into their natural habitat. They will now be able to live a happy life in their natural habitat and flap their wings freely.