How would you like to help WPT partner Echo secure $28,000 for parrot conservation without giving a penny? All they need is your vote before the end of March 2014! Echo's project, Parrots and People, Trees and Trails, is one of six shortlisted projects competing for funding in an event held by the European Outdoor Conservation Association. The winner will also be featured in National Geographic Germany.

Winning this contest will help Echo safeguard the future for parrots on Bonaire, restore the island's forest, engage the public in nature conservation, and develop a trail network. Voting is easy: Click here to go to the voting page, scroll down to Parrots and People; Trees and Trails, Bonaire, and click the voting button to submit. The competition ends on March 31st, so please vote now and help Echo to secure the funding. Please tell your friends, and thank you for helping the parrots!

Vote today »

Genus: Calyptorhynchus
Species: baudinii
World Population:10,000-15,000
Range: SW Australia, north to Darling Range, east to longitude 117E.
Habitat/Ecology: Found in wet sclerophyll forests during breeding season, favouring karri. Outside breeding season may range to farmland, orchards and open woodland. Feeds on cones of Pinus sp., shrubs, fruits, nectar, flowers and almonds. Also eats wood-boring grubs, mainly during the breeding season. Is wary and difficult to approach. Sentinels alert groups of 50 or more birds that congregate to feed. Pair bond is permanent.
Threat Summary: A quarter of this species' habitat has been cleared for agriculture, mining and logging. Another threat is from feral (non-native) bees infesting nest sites. Even though this bird has been protected since 1996 it is still illegally shot by farmers.
IUCN/CITES Rating: Endangered, Appendix II

Learn more about the
Baudin's Black Cockatoo »

WPT partner Ara Project/Proyecto Ara breeds endangered macaws for release into the wild at their breeding centre in Costa Rica. Their first-ever release of Great Green Macaws was in August of 2011, with a second release occurring in 2012, and another in early 2014. These birds are the first of their kind to be bred and raised specifically for release into protected areas in Costa Rica. More birds, including Scarlet Macaws, have been successfully released since.

On 24 February 2014 a new aviary donated by the German Embassy in Costa Rica was officially opened. The opening marks an important development for the site at Punta Islita. The new installation is subdivided into six flight aviaries and is being used to hold the breeding stock of the project's Scarlet Macaws. The birds are being acclimated to their new environment at Punta Islita, where they were moved to throughout 2013. In the future it will be further subdivided into breeding aviaries in a continuation of the project's goals.

Ara Project website »

View photos of new aviary »

WPT Expert and noted author EB Cravens explores the contentious issue of selling unweaned hand-raised parrot chicks, and the problems it can cause.

Read the article (PDF) »

How about using your birthday to help wild parrots? Longtime WPT supporter Darlene Carver recently decided that she'd like to do more for the World Parrot Trust by creating a fundraising page on and tying it to her upcoming 60th birthday! Darlene writes: "Beautiful parrots in the wild are shrinking [in population], due to habitat destruction, illegal trafficking, and other human-related causes. For 5 years I have gone on a Parrot Lover's Cruise that raises money to support the work of the World Parrot Trust and I thought this would be another way I can help the birds. If you can support this cause, please do so as a tribute to me. No gifts for my birthday this year, just a donation. That is the best gift you can give me." Thank you very much for your generosity Darlene, what a great way to help parrots!

Wish Darlene a happy birthday by donating! »

Want to create your own fundraiser to save parrots?
Visit the WPT profile on Razoo and choose to Fundraise for this Cause.

The Kakapo is one of Earth's most endangered animals - so every little one that hatches and defies the odds is not only vital to the population, but miraculous too. As of the 16th of March the Kakapo Recovery Programme writes: "The final eggs have hatched meaning we have six kakapo chicks! And the best news is that Heather One hatched in the wild, on Little Barrier Island and with absolutely no human intervention. Heather Two and last to hatch Rakiura Three [are] both being cared for on Codfish Island."

Lisa One, the chick that hatched from a crushed then rescued egg, is growing rapidly and is now nearly three weeks old! It promises to be good year if all survive, so everyone keep their fingers crossed for this growing population, they need all the help they can get!

Visit Kakapo Recovery's Facebook page »

The Wonder of Birds
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Castle Hill, Norwich, East Anglia NR1 3JU, United Kingdom
24 May to 14 September 2014

The Wonder of Birds will explore the cultural impact of birds upon mankind. Eliciting a wide range of emotions from awe to fear and from pleasure to cruelty, birds have intrigued humanity since the earliest of times. With loans from local and national collections, the exhibition will span the centuries and include the arts with works by major artists and illustrators, historical and contemporary, natural history, archaeology, fashion and social history. This innovative exhibition will also examine local, national and international issues.
Learn more about the exhibit »

Parrot Lover's Cruise - Western Caribbean
Welcome to the 6th Annual Parrot Lover's Cruise, one of the most spectacular cruises for parrot enthusiasts. Leave your worries behind and relax as you join us to discover some of the bluest waters and best sightseeing in the world. Educate yourself with onboard parrot seminars and visit exotic ports of call where you may get a chance to see wild parrots!

New excursions added - book early to ensure your spot.

Early Saver Rate in Effect:
Book now and receive a savings of up to $300 per room! While supplies last.

Date: Nov. 2 - 9, 2014
Contact: Carol Cipriano
Email: carolstraveltime@gmail.com
Phone: 1.570.470.0034
Learn more: http://www.parrotloverscruise.com

For more event listings, visit the WPT website at:
http://www.parrots.org/index.php/parrotnews/Events/