Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight January 2025: FlyFree Mobile Vet Unit helping African grey parrots

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African grey parrots
African grey parrots in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Image courtesy of Robert Ross

African grey parrots, both Timneh and Congo, continue to be some of the most threatened parrot species in the world. New approaches, additional laws, and increased enforcement mechanisms are urgently needed to stem the tide of trafficking of these iconic and exquisite African parrots. Here is one new approach to emergency response, training, and rehabilitation in the words of Steven Janssen, the new Wild Parrot Care Coordinator for the World Parrot Trust.

This past year, the World Parrot Trust (WPT) launched a Mobile Vet Unit in Africa to provide support where and when it is most needed.

African grey parrots
The World Parrot Trust has screened for diseases in confiscated parrots in rehabilitation centers prior to their release. Pictured, a group of confiscated African grey parrots in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Image courtesy of Robert Ross

Because of the massive trade in African Grey and Timneh parrots, they are now recognized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species. Even though international trade in these species is forbidden, highly concerning numbers of these species are still trapped and trafficked. 

Confiscated parrots are often found in life-threatening conditions requiring immediate veterinary attention. And due to the cruel trapping methods, an extended period of rehabilitation is usually needed before releasing them back into the wild.

vet administering care to parrot
A veterinarian works on an African grey parrot in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Image courtesy of Robert Ross
hotos by Robert Ross

The World Parrot Trust Mobile Vet Unit provides emergency support to groups dealing with seized parrots, ranging from veterinary care, disease screening and technical advice, to logistical support and emergency funding for parrot care. Avian veterinary specialists are thinly spread in Africa. So many sanctuaries and government agencies seek help to manage seized birds, provide training for local vets and care staff, advise on operating procedures, and train first responders including law enforcement personnel.

Since its launch in May 2024, our Mobile Vet Unit has successfully trained almost 150 caretakers, vets, students, and government agents in a wide range of topics related to conservation and parrot care. These workshops have taken place in Liberia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in multiple languages.

vet training
A veterinarian helps train an assistant in Nigeria. Image courtesy of Steven Janssen

During those visits, the WPT has screened for diseases in confiscated parrots in rehabilitation centers prior to their release. This is to prevent diseases spreading from rehabilitated to wild animals. WPT has also screened for disease prevalence in wild parrots on known roosting spots to know which diseases might be endemic to the species (because this is poorly covered in scientific literature).

Right after returning from the training workshops in the DRC, WPT’s mobile vet unit had to go back to Kinshasa on an emergency mission (a good demonstration of the necessity of our unit). A big group of wild parrots from the DRC were confiscated in Turkey in September and were finally repatriated to the DRC at the end of November 2024. Without adequate staff, knowledge, infrastructure, and proper means, the WPT presence was essential for the survival of the parrots during the transfer from Kinshasa Zoo to the rehab centre in Dingi (Maniema Province).

Group photo after a parrot release in Nigeria.
A group poses in Nigeria after a parrot release. Since its launch in May 2024, the World Parrot Trust’s Mobile Vet Unit has successfully trained caretakers, vets, students, and government agents in a wide range of topics related to conservation and parrot care.
Image courtesy of Steven Janssen.

Enforcement of wildlife trade laws is critical for effective regulation of trade and responsible management of wildlife populations. However, this is not possible without proper animal care facilities and the means and know-how to run them. The WPT mobile vet unit plays a crucial role in this process and offers the flexibility to bridge infrastructural and knowledge gaps where needed.

This month’s Lafeber Global Parrot Conservation donation goes to support the World Parrot Trust’s FlyFree Mobile Vet Unit, which is fulfilling many invaluable functions across several African regions to protect and care for African grey parrots. Learn more about the overall FlyFree campaign.

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