SIX rare Blue-throated Macaws bred in captivity at Paradise Park in Hayle have been flown to their native Bolivia and released into the wild to help restore what experts say is an endangered species.
The Blue-throated Macaw has been a target pet trade dealers and there are now only an estimated 130 of the indigenous species left in Bolivia – where they have been deemed critically endangered.
Now subject to strict trading prohibitions, they are nonetheless in need of a boost, which is where the birds from Paradise Park come in.
Bred for the last six years in Hayle, the six young Macaws made the journey from Cornwall to Bolivia, travelling with field worker Jose Diaz to be released back into wild places where they have been extinct for many years.
These birds are being strategically released into areas of Bolivia where the Macaws have been extinct.
However, the birds will remain in a Bolivian aviary for several weeks, before having a 'soft release' into the wild, which includes the birds being fed and monitored for several weeks after being released.
During the Macaws six years in Hayle, where they were raised in conjunction with the World Parrot Trust, much has been learnt about the birds themselves.
Park director Alison Hales said: "This has been a long term project us. Indeed it was a long-held belief of my late father Mike Reynolds who founded the World Parrot Trust at Paradise Park in Hayle back in 1989, that if necessary for the survival of a rare species, our captive bred parrots should be available for release projects."
Staff at Paradise Park say they developed a strong bond with the birds, and it was an emotional day when they set off on their two day trip to Bolivia via Heathrow and Madrid.
Alison Hales said: "We are all so proud of what has been achieved. This is a new beginning for these birds and a fresh start for one of the rarest parrot's species in the world. We wish our macaws all the best in their new wild home."
