A hearty THANK YOU to the many generous supporters of this year's WPT 3 Campaign! With matching donations provided by Natural Encounters Conservation Fund, Mr. Jack Devine and two anonymous donors, over the course of 2-and-a-half months more than 600 parrot enthusiasts from around the globe raised an extraordinary US $120,011. (£77,227). That is a phenomenal amount of support for parrots! These gifts will directly support conservation activities to save the Blue-throated Macaws in Bolivia, the Yellow-crested Cockatoos in Indonesia and the Great Green Macaws in Costa Rica and Ecuador.

We would also like to acknowledge the kind support of many individuals and organisations with their outstanding gifts in 2012 to a variety of other WPT programs. To everyone, thank you so much!

And while we cannot name everyone, we tried to highlight some of our most recent campaign supporters here »

In late January a large shipment of wild-caught birds was seized in Guinea, on the west coast of Africa. Included in the confiscation were roughly a hundred Senegal parrots, a dozen Timneh and Grey parrots, various parakeets and cockatiels, lovebirds, and a number of other non-psittacine species, totaling over two hundred birds. Some of the birds were released back to the wild immediately, others unfortunately perished. Guinée Application de la Loi Faunique (GALF), working under the umbrella of the Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA), was responsible for the confiscation and is now caring for the birds. As is usually the case with large seizures, the situation is difficult for both birds and their keepers, and outside help is required. WPT has sent veterinarian Dr. Davide de Guz to give technical and medical aid to the parrots, as some of them are sick or have damaged feathers. He is also arranging for new aviaries to be built to house them until they recover and can be released to suitable habitat back in the wild. This is the first rehabilitation and release program for confiscated parrots in Guinea, and we at the WPT hope that it is only the beginning of more to be established.

Visit GALF's website »

Genus: Psittacula
Species: eupatria
World Population: Not recorded
Range: P.e. eupatria: Sri Lanka and Indian peninsula. P.e. nipalensis: E Afganistan, E and S Pakistan, C India to Nepal, Bhutan and Assam to Bangladesh. P.e. magnirostris: Andaman Islands and nearby Coco Islands, Bay of Bengal. P.e. avensis: Cachar district of Assam to S Burma. P.e. siamensis: N and W Thailand to Cambodia, C Laos, rarely in north; and SC Vietnam.
Ecology: Occurs in small flocks but forms bigger groups where food is abundant and at communal roosts where birds may gather in one large tree. Eats variety of wild and cultivated seeds, flowers and flower buds, nectar, grain, fruit and vegetables.
Habitat: Found in variety of moist and dry forests and woodlands. Also found in cultivated areas and mangroves. Found up to 900m (2952ft).
Threat Summary: Declining in Sri Lanka, is heavily traded in wild bird market.
IUCN/CITES Rating: Least concern, Appendix II

Learn more about the Alexandrine Parakeet »

Meredith Toy is a dedicated young person who loves parrots. Often in childhood, an interest begins and then wanes, and another takes its place. But with Meredith, one fascination has stuck: parrots! Since 2008 when her family acquired a Grey Parrot, Nelson, she has gone to work increasing her knowledge about the parrots of the world, putting that wisdom to good use educating her peers and raising money for parrot conservation. WPT and Flock Talk decided to chat with this determined middle-schooler.

Read her interview (PDF) »

Proventricular Dilatation Disease is a neurological disorder that causes misery in aviaries worldwide. WPT expert Dr. Scott Echols provides an update of the latest known information on this devastating disease.

Read the blog entry »

Once again, the annual Parrot Lover's Cruise was a great success. Thanks to organizer Carol Cipriano and her continued year over year support of WPT! The ship departed from the vibrant port of New Orleans and sailed on with stops in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Mexico, and the Yucatan peninsula to visit Xcaret, a Mayan civilization archaeological site in Playa del Carmen. Delighted guests saw Scarlet Macaws and Grand Cayman parrots at various stops on the cruise. On board the ship passengers were treated to engaging presentations from avian expert Phoebe Greene Linden, avian vet Dr. Scott Echols, expert Pat Anderson and Paradise Park curator and WPT Trustee David Woolcock. A silent auction and direct donations raised several thousand dollars for the Trust. A grand time was had by all!

Read the full 2012 cruise recap »
Watch David Woolcock's video collage from the 2012 cruise »
Learn about the 2013 cruise »

Think Parrots 2013
The ultimate event for parrot lovers! There will be a large exhibition of parrot paraphernalia on sale and the opportunity to talk to many, many experts in their field. EB Cravens and WPT Trustee David Woolcock will be leading workshops, and the WPT will be in attendance with parrot-related merchandise including t-shirts, dvds, bags, arpilleras, and more. Plus, it's an opportunity to meet and chat with WPT staff and trustees. There will also be free flying bird demonstrations by top parrot trainer Michael Simmons throughout the day.
Date: May 19, 2013
Location: Woking, Surrey, UK
Email: show@parrotmag.com
Web: http://www.thinkparrots.co.uk/

Paradise Park Parrot Pampering
Come together to celebrate parrots, enjoy the amazing birds of Paradise Park, follow the Quiz trail and make a remarkable array of enrichment toys.
Date: July 2013 (more details to come)
Location: Paradise Park, Hayle, Cornwall, UK
Web: http://www.paradisepark.org.uk/

Parrot Lover's Cruise - Southern Caribbean
Welcome to the 5th 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!

Early saver rates in effect now - book today!

Date: Oct. 26 - Nov. 2, 2013
Contact: Carol Cipriano
Email: carolstraveltime@gmail.com
Phone: 1.570.470.0034
Web: http://www.parrotloverscruise.com

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