Birds

Wild-Caught Parrots: The Ongoing Welfare Emergency

Despite CITES protections, wild-caught parrots continue to be trafficked illegally, with enormous mortality throughout the supply chain.

Key Facts

An estimated 1.3 million wild birds are traded annually, many illegally
Mortality rates from capture through sale can reach 75% in high-traffic species
African grey parrots have declined 99% in Ghana from trapping pressure
Wild-caught parrots suffer severely during capture, transport, and adjustment to captivity
CITES Appendix I listing prohibits commercial wild bird trade in most major species

Welfare Considerations

Wild parrot capture involves traumatic net or trap capture of birds that are then confined in small containers for transport. Mortality from dehydration, disease, and stress during transport is high. Birds that survive the supply chain arrive as adults completely unaccustomed to human environments, living in a perpetual state of fear. Each wild-caught parrot purchased represents multiple wild birds that died to bring one animal to market.

What You Can Do

Never purchase parrots without verified captive-bred documentation
Report suspected wild-caught bird sales to CITES authorities or TRAFFIC
Donate to World Parrot Trust conservation and anti-trafficking programs
Support demand reduction campaigns in major parrot-importing countries
Advocate for stronger CITES enforcement and import documentation requirements