The myth and the reality of “Parrot Conservation” 

The myth:

Breeders and parrot hobbyists argue that by breeding parrots in captivity they help reduce illegal poaching, and the appeal for legal exportation of wild caught parrots for the pet trade, thereby preserving and protecting the species in the wild.


The reality:
 
Breeding parrots in captivity, whether for the pet trade or as a hobby, does not help preserve the species in the wild. Captive-bred birds do not possess the genetic memory to survive in the wild, nor are their parents able to teach them natural survival skills due to the artificial environments in which they are raised. In most instances, the release of such birds into their wild country of origin would be unsuccessful. 

Only through official conservation breeding programs, which are usually federally funded and conducted by knowledgeable and highly skilled conservationists and ornithologists, can we effectively preserve parrot species. 

Breeders and hobbyists who believe they are breeding parrots to preserve the species have poured millions of baby parrots into the pet trade each year, yet such prolific breeding efforts have had no effect on the decline of wild parrot populations. However, these breeders have negatively impacted captive parrot populations. The number of unwanted and homeless “pet” parrots is skyrocketing and continues to escalate at an alarming rate, causing increased suffering and mortality for these birds.

In response to the large number of captive bred parrots being flooded into the pet trade, pet stores have increased marketing campaigns and enticements that give consumers the false impression that parrots make ideal pets. Yet nothing could be further from the truth, as parrots require an extraordinary amount of care and attention and can have lifespans comparable to human beings. 

What you can do to help captive birds and protect parrots in the wild:

• Work with and support legitimate wild parrot conservation organizations.
  
• Do not breed birds. 
  
• Do not buy birds. Instead, adopt and rescue homeless birds.
  
• Write letters to pet stores letting them know you don’t approve of selling live animals and that you will boycott their store until they stop.
  
• Write to your legislators and encourage them to introduce stronger laws to protect parrots.
  
• Write to representatives of countries that legally catch, export and import wild parrots to let them know that you will boycott their products and avoid traveling to their country. Ask them to enforce existing laws that restrict the catching and exportation of wild caught parrots. 
  
• Encourage countries that exploit, import, and export their wildlife to instead use their natural resources for environmentally friendly tourism.