Taipei Zoo marks World Parrot Day, urges public not to abandon pet birds

Taipei, May 31 (CNA) Taipei Zoo marked World Parrot Day on Sunday with a special educational event featuring a sulphur-crested cockatoo, while urging the public not to abandon pet parrots and to reject the illegal wildlife trade.

In a statement, the zoo said parrots are popular companion animals because of their colorful plumage, ability to mimic sounds and strong learning skills. However, demand from the pet market has also fueled illegal capture and trade, threatening wild populations.

To raise public awareness, the zoo held a pop-up educational session in the Children's Zoo area, with a sulphur-crested cockatoo serving as a "teaching assistant" to help visitors learn about parrot behavior and social habits.

As part of a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation program run by the Ministry of Agriculture, the zoo said it houses a variety of parrots that were either confiscated in anti-smuggling operations or abandoned by their owners.

Visitors can observe these birds at the zoo's Parrot House and Pangolin Dome, where species native to Asia, Africa, Australia, and Central and South America are on display.

Some of the birds under the zoo's care are classified as endangered, including the African grey parrot, red-and-blue lory and white cockatoo, it said.

The zoo cited data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature showing that about one-third of all parrot species face threats to their survival in the wild.