Macaws are among the most cognitively complex companion animals. Meeting their social, cognitive, and physical needs is one of the most demanding challenges in companion animal care.
Macaw welfare is one of the most demanding in companion animal care, requiring owners to meet the needs of an animal whose intelligence, social complexity, and longevity rival those of great apes. The consequences of failing to meet these needs - feather destructive behaviour, self-injurious behaviour, chronic stress - are visible and significant. Most macaws in captivity are not kept to an adequate welfare standard. Prospective owners require honest information about the commitment involved before acquiring these birds, and the rescue sector needs significant support to manage the many macaws in inappropriate situations.