Captive Parrot Conservation Program

As more and more species face extinction around the world it is a zoos obligation to support where possible as many programs that have a positive effect on both flora and fauna.

The Parrot Zoo recognises that the Psittacine (parrot) is a very important creature within zoo livestock populations and over the past decade parrot populations have decreased massively within the United Kingdom, caused by a number of factors the now unstable population needs help.

Parrots have not remained within captivity due to its relative long lifespan (which is also on the decline) (put link to longevity text) and not by the fact that is has been successfully bred.

Due to the massive amounts imported into the UK over the past 20 years and the very fact that there numbers have declined rapidly this goes to show that although a small number have been bred over these years there is nowhere near enough to sustain the captive life of this fabulous creature and it is with this fact that it will only be a matter of time before UK zoos are devoid of the spectacular parrot family. 

In 2010 the Parrot Zoo charted a new course for psittacine conservation in zoos around Europe by commencing the Captive Parrot Conservation Program this will enable the Parrot Zoo to become the gene pool for psittacines bred for UK & European Zoos. Already holding over 100 species the intentions are to increase to as many as possible in order to secure the common parrot alongside the more endangered parrots within captivity..

This totally new concept is directed towards preserving the species within captivity while benefiting ‘in situ’ conservation projects around the world. The zoo shall provide a unique facility whereby it fulfils and encourages the natural reproductive needs of the many psittacines that enter the zoo without the worry of overstocking, while allowing European zoos to have young parent reared health checked and sexed birds to enter their facilities, something never been achieved before.

This conservation program validates the zoo's Conservation Policy, which states

"The Parrot Zoo will continue to support the preservation and restoration of all psittacines both in captivity and natural habitats".