Captive Parrot Conservation Program
As more and more species face extinction around the world it is a zoos obligation to support where possible as many programs that have a positive effect on both flora and fauna.
The National Parrot Sanctuary recognises that the Psittacine (parrot) is a very important creature within captive populations and over the past decade parrot populations have decreased massively within the United Kingdom, caused by a number of factors and now the unstable population needs help.
The common species of parrot has maintained its position within captivity through previous mass importation, generating ample breeding stock which in turn produced a significant amount of hand reared specimens for the pet market, sadly the majority of these birds are totally unsuitable for breeding and with the welcome arrival of the import ban on wild birds in 2006, the parrot population has fallen into mass decline with many of the more common parrots almost extinct in captivity.
It is with this fact that it will only be a matter of time before UK zoos are devoid of the spectacular parrot family.
In 2017 Lincolnshire Wildlife Park will chart a new course for psittacine conservation in zoos around Europe by commencing the Captive Parrot Conservation Program this will enable a unique gene pool for psittacines bred for UK & European Collections. Already holding over 100 species, the long term intentions are to increase numbers so as to enable captive security for the common parrot alongside the more endangered species already recognised in the parrot world
This totally new concept is directed towards preserving the species within captivity while benefiting ‘in situ’ conservation projects around the world. LWP shall provide a unique facility whereby it fulfils and encourages the natural reproductive needs of the many psittacines that enter the Park without the worry of overstocking, whilst allowing European collections to have young, parent reared, unrelated, disease free birds to enter their facilities, something never been achieved before.
This conservation program validates the LWP’s Conservation Policy, which states:
“Lincolnshire Wildlife Park will continue to support the preservation and restoration of all psittacines both in captivity and its natural habitats”.