What is a hybrid macaw?
The hybridization of macaws is not allowed in Costa Rica; this is a very controversial issue since it causes biodiversity loss.
This practice involves mixing different species of macaws that are threatened in the wild.
The desire of the human being when crossing a scarlet macaw (Ara macao) and a blue-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) is to obtain a unique animal. A macaw with colors and temperaments different from those of the original species, like the ones in this enclosure.
The hybrids you see in enclosure eight were brought to the Sanctuary by officials of the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) from the Guanacaste area.
These animals were in the wild, representing a problem for natural populations. Because they are monogamous (they choose a partner for life), they will pair up with a biological species, such as the scarlet macaw. That means taking the place of a wild macaw and preventing two natural birds from reproducing. Due to this, the population of scarlet macaws decreased.