A Visit To Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC), Bangalore

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Tara

During my brief visit to Bangalore, I caught up with a friend who lives there and is very passionate about conservation and wildlife rescue. Avin Deen is also the Indian representative for the World Parrot Trust. Avin picked us up at the Park Plaza in the morning and we had quite a long drive out to Bannerghatta as we hit peak hour traffic but it did give us more time to chat. During our last visit to India, Avin had taken us to SAI Sanctuary and on a birding excursion to Coorg and he was also keen to find out what birds we saw on our recent trip.

WRRC has been rendering the following services to wild animals:

Rescue of wild life from injuries, accidents, illegal wildlife trade and other sources
Rehabilitation
Prevention of cruelty
Humane Education
Information and expertise
Campaigns and legal battles in support of wildlife
Research and surveys on captive elephants.

Most recently, they rescued 21 Alexandrine Parakeet chicks who had been recovered from wildlife poachers and were in the process of rehabilitating them to be returned to the wild. Full story is here. They also have a large number of Rose-Ringed Parakeets. In these photos you can see some parakeets in their aviary as they recover their health.

These birds are actually very lucky as if they had not been rescued they would have had a miserable life in a tiny crowded cage or more likely died from the mistreatment. But thanks to WRRC, they will fly free again someday. WRRC has other birds and animals as well.

Avin Deen & Dr. Roopa Sathish

Ina Tuatai, Tara Tuatai, Dr. Roopa Sathish & Mr Anand

WRRC needs as much help as they can get to continue with their very important work as they are very limited in funds. For more information on how you can help WRRC, become a volunteer or organize a visit if you are visiting Bangalore, please see their website and contact them as below.

Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre

‘Southern Cross’

9-A, Myrtle Lane

Richmond Town

Bangalore 560025

Tel: 91 80 22947300, 22947301

email:wrrcbrc@gmail.com

SAI Sanctuary – Conservation In Coorg

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Tara

SAI Sanctuary (Save Animals Initiative) is located in the Western Ghats of southern India—the heart of the watershed area for the entire south Indian peninsula, and one of the hottest ‘Hot Spots’ of biodiversity in the world, as designated by the United Nations. From the initial purchase of just 55 acres of private forested lands in 1991, the Sanctuary has grown to more than 300, with its positive influence being seen and felt in the National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries it borders—Brahmagiri, Nagarhole and Bandipur.

The full story and more information is on their website.

Most people access Coorg from Bangalore’s International Airport. You can get here on a Central Asian award ticket. The directions are much the same as Jungle Side as it is just down the road. The Malhotras and Muthannas will help you arrange transport between the two properties or you could walk once you learn the route.

SAI Sanctuary is run by a wonderful couple – Anil & Pamela Malhotra. Their biographies are here. You should always contact them in advance if you wish to pay a visit.

The cottages they offer for eco-tourism are gorgeous! They have magnificent views of the rianforest and are fully self contained so would suit long term visitors as well. All power is “off the grid” solar power. Although they weren’t open when we were there, I was given a tour. Hopefully they will be open again soon so please contact Anil & Pamela if you are interested.

SAI Sanctuary offers a safe haven for birds who have been surrendered to the authorities or rescued from poachers. Here you can see the spacious aviary dedicated to these rescued birds. The Alexandrine Parakeets you see below were part of a large group recovered from illicit bird traders. Most of them have since been set free in the wild but these poor little guys were injured to the point they can’t survive in the wild. Thankfully they will have a safe and comfortable life here!

In tomorrow’s post, I will show you some of the wildlife you can see at SAI Sanctuary!

An Afternoon At The Ara Project, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Posted on December 7, 2013 by Tara

Founded in 1989, the Ara Project (ARA) is a Costa Rican licensed zoological park and non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the two native macaw species of Costa Rica: the critically endangered Great Green or Buffon’s Macaw (Ara ambiguus) and the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao).

ARA promotes macaw conservation, contributes to the scientific community, encourages the protection of tropical forests, and educates the public to assure the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Naturally I was very keen to visit them and see how their breeding centre is run. They have some macaws who are destined to fly free again in the wild and some who are injured or not healthy enough to survive in the wild so need to be housed in a sanctuary. Although they have had their Alajuela facility for many years, their landlord has evicted them and forced them to find a new location. They are in the process of moving to Punta Islita and by the time you read this, they may have already relocated. If you want to visit them, please contact them on their website to arrange the details.

These photos are of my visit in August 2013 to the Alajuela facility which is very near the airport; with Jenny very kindly giving us a hasty tour of the Scarlet Macaws & Great Green Macaws before the heavens opened up with a torrential downpour. It’s amazing what they can do to help these birds! If you visit them, please be generous with a donation, even if you can’t visit, donation details are below the photos.

This video shows what it’s like to release Macaws back into the wild. What a great feeling this must be!

Please, support our work by donating today:

http://www.razoo.com/story/The-Ara-Project

Help Save Africa’s Parrots

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Tara

If you have found my blog helpful at all this year, the best way you can thank me is by helping to save wild birds through this campaign.

“Tragically, parrots of many species are becoming increasingly endangered in the wild.
Their forests are being destroyed, they are being taken from the wild for the pet trade…
but, there is hope!”

Dr. Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE
Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

The World Parrot Trust does an annual fundraiser in which all funds are matched. This means that if you donate $100 it becomes $200 and so on. Every year they focus on different projects and this year they are focusing on the parrots of Africa. I am planning a trip there in 2015, I do make a point of visiting their projects just as I did in Belize and Costa Rica this year so I have seen with my own eyes the good they do.

Watch a special message from Dr. Jane Goodall

Featured Video

Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, has been long dedicated to wildlife conservation, and works to improve the lives of communities living alongside threatened species.

Watch her very special message about Africa’s parrots, and the importance of saving them.

Tell the world – Save Africa’s Parrots

Join us through social media and become an ambassador for parrots. Use your network of friends and family to help expand support for conservation efforts in Africa and get the latest news on related issues and reports.

FACEBOOK

Become a fan on WPT’s Save Africa’s Parrots Facebook page! It is a great place to socialize and share your passion for parrots.

TWITTER

Many parrot populations in Africa are at risk of disappearing forever.

As you know, the wildlife trade, habitat loss and other threats endanger many of Africa’s parrots: Grey parrot numbers have plummeted. Timneh parrots have disappeared from much of their range. Cape parrots are battling against the loss of habitat and disease, and many more parrots in Africa face similar dangers.

But, there is good news, and reason to hope…

WPT has been working in Africa for many years but recognizes the need for more to be done. Thankfully trade is down, and field research and conservation efforts are growing.

Our experience has led to the development of WPT’s Africa Conservation Programme (WPT-ACP), an innovative effort focusing on:

Working with in-country partners to conserve parrots and habitats
Researching parrot populations to make better decisions on how to protect them
Investigating threats that put them at risk
Collaborating with law enforcement to protect parrots from the wildlife trade
Aiding efforts to improve wildlife law enforcement and management of
confiscated birds
Reaching local communities to raise awareness of why parrots must remain wild

Our current work is focused on researching Timneh parrots in the Bijagós archipelago of Guinea-Bissau, initiating community education to protect Grey parrots in Uganda, and expanding a population monitoring project for Cape parrots in Limpopo, South Africa. (Read full details »)

With your help we can do much more…

Because of the urgent need for these efforts to continue, WPT-ACP is now dedicated to a multi-year commitment on behalf of these birds to help at-risk parrots throughout Africa.

All of this effort requires time and money. Just one gift from you of $25, $50 or $100 will help us to continue this vital work of research, encouraging wildlife law enforcement, confiscation, rescue, rehabilitation of birds caught in the trade, protecting habitat and public education.

Your gift, doubled!
If you donate before January 2014, your gift will be matched by our generous sponsors
dollar for dollar. That’s twice the impact your gift can make for the parrots!

Will you join our team and help Save Africa’s Parrots today?

The Tambopata Macaw Project Talk

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Tara

Dr Donald Brightsmith, the manager of the Tambopata Macaw Project gives a lecture on the use of the clay lick by the various parrot species. He also shows how the researchers study the growth of the baby parrots.

If you would like to see this amazing place for yourself, start with my article here and also learn how the use of frequent flier miles can get you all the way to Puerto Maldonado so all you have to pay is the taxes and the cost of the Tambopata Research Centre package!

El Manantial Sanctuary, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Posted on November 23, 2013 by Tara

El Manantial is a project dedicated to the conservation of macaws native to Costa Rica. The main focus of the project is the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) and the Great Green Macaw (Ara Ambigua), who once flew freely in many areas of Costa Rica. In 1994, individuals concerned with the status of these endangered species decided to create a project for their conservation; with the sole purpose of the project being the reintroducing of Macaws back into the wild, striving to increase their population numbers.

It’s very easy to organize a visit here whether you are on a cruise ship or land based. Information on how to get to Puntarenas/Tarcoles is covered in my post on Carara National Park.

A guide will take you around the sanctuary. You will see birds in aviaries and some wild birds who were either former aviary residents who were set free and decided to stick around or local wild birds who know a great place to find free food!

PHOTOS

If a cruise ship is in port, there will be a small market near the dock. Have your guide/taxi drop you there for some quick shopping. Then you can take a small shuttle-train back to your ship. If you are land based, get a bus in Puntarenas back to Tarcoles or a taxi.

Volunteers Wanted For Echo Project On Bonaire

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Tara

Have you ever wanted to get involved with a conservation project and learn how to help save wild birds? The Echo Project on the beautiful Caribbean island of Bonaire is recruiting.

Read their fact sheet on what is involved with being a volunteer.
Learn more about the Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrot.
If you can’t travel there to help, donations are appreciated.
Read my article on voluntourism.

GETTING THERE ON MILES

Bonaire is a Caribbean Island, and in the same zone as Puerto Rico which I blogged about before.

Bonaire

United Airlines serves Bonaire from Houston & New York directly with connections to the rest of the USA & the world. Each way is 17,500 miles. Here is a sample routing.

Christmas Gifts That Help Conservation Of Wild Birds

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Tara

What do you give the person who cares about conserving birds in the wild this Christmas? How about these gorgeous Arpilleras? They are hand-made by villagers in the Tambopata area. If you have ever been there, you will see them on sale at the airport in Puerto Maldonado. But if you can’t make a quick trip down there to do your Christmas shopping, the World Parrot Trust has them on offer and can be shipped in time for Christmas! This article shows more about how they are made and how they help conservation. I am the proud owner of 4 arpilleras!

USA Online Store

UK & Worldwide Store

While you are looking at the online store, check the left sidebar for more interesting gift ideas. This beautiful calendar is only $10 and offers a beautiful photo of a wild parrot each month! You can also buy parrot themed clothing, Balata figures of parrots or join the World Parrot Trust. This Christmas, treat you friends or treat yourself!

**These are not affiliate links, I get nothing from your purchase except the satisfaction of helping to save wild parrots!

Belize Bird Rescue

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Tara

One of the best things about eco-tourism is the chance to show local communities the value of keeping wild birds wild. In a perfect world, no bird would leave his home except as an image in a digital camera, the locals would have secure jobs in lodges, restaurants and as guides. But we all know this world isn’t perfect and many birds do end up being captured by poachers. Some of these poor birds will die in tiny cages, some will be shipped around the world and some will be recovered by the authorities before the poacher gets too far with them. Thanks to places like Belize Bird Rescue, these birds have a 2nd chance to go home, be free and hopefully tell all the other birds what happened so they can avoid capture.

Belize Bird Rescue goals for 2012 education campaigns

• To emphasise the link between Belize’s tourism industry and its wildlife

• To diminish or halt the trade in wild-caught parrots

• To improve living conditions and thereby prolong the lifespan of captive parrots

• To open the hearts and minds of young Belizeans to the plight of their indigenous avian species

Belize Bird Rescue is located on the outskirts of Belmopan, about an hour’s bus ride from Belize City or San Ignacio. They are not currently open to the public but as a fellow conservationist networking on social media, my husband and I were invited for a private visit to the facility. Nikki Buxton showed us around the facility, let me take photos of the birds, then we sat on the verandah chatting and watching some playful Amazon parrots frolic in the bushes. Rehabiliating a rescued bird isn’t as simple as just letting it go. The whole procedure is outlined on their website. Don’t miss this heart-wrenching video! Some birds are injured to the point where they can never be released and Belize Bird Rescue cares for them in lovely spacious aviaries with healthy diets and plenty of enrichment. If I were a few years younger and single, I would seriously think about being a volunteer there! Please help them with a donation if you can!

Here are some of the photos of our visit!

If you are ever in Belmopan, please consider staying at the Hibiscus Hotel and eating at their restaurant, it supports the rescue!

One of the more bizarre sights of Belmopan is this “witch’s house”!

Adopt An Acre To Help Trust

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Tara

The next time you take a hike through the Mastic Trail or visit the Cayman Brac Parrot Reserve, you could just find yourself standing on your own land.

Supporters of the Cayman islands National Trust can now adopt an acre of land, or more or less, to help protect endangered species and threatened sites in the Cayman Islands.

The new fundraising initiative, Adopt Nature, gives people a chance to assist with management and maintenance costs of their adopted area.

Under the scheme, members of the public can adopt a quarter-acre for $99 or a full acre for $350.

Full article here

HT: City Parrots

I really love the idea of (sort of) owning a small piece of rainforest so birds can fly there freely and safely!

The Mastic Reserve, Salina Reserve and Governor Gore’s Bird Sanctuary are among the areas available for adoption in Grand Cayman, along with the Cayman Brac Parrot Reserve and Brac Splits in Cayman Brac and Booby Pond Nature Reserve in Little Cayman, according to the National Trust.

Miles To The Wild

Create unforgettable eco-tourism and birding adventures using miles & points!

Category Archives: Conservation