Animal Diaries Archive

Check Out The New Sign!

1 April 2005

Holy smokes bird lovers, have you had a gander at our new sign outside the Rainforest Aviary? If you haven't yet, we know you've either been walking around looking at your feet or you haven't visited us for a least a month. This ripsnorter of a sign is raising eyebrows, turning heads and stopping people in their tracks.

The new sign we are referring to (and also has visitors and staff raving about) is one that depicts the plight of parrots and parrot conservation all over the world. The sign is a whopping 3 metres long by 1 metre high and was erected to highlight (and open peoples eyes to), Australia's threatened parrot species, as well as showing our support for the 'World Parrot Trust'; a charity funding projects and promoting excellence in parrot conservation and welfare.

Since 1989 the 'World Parrot Trust' has raised over $1.5 million to fund conservation work for 37 species of parrots in 22 countries. The stated aims, of the 'World Parrot Trust' are the survival of parrot species in the wild and the welfare of captive birds everywhere. To achieve these, the 'World Parrot Trust' aims to... * Restore and protect populations of wild parrots and their native Habitats * Promote awareness of the threats to all parrots,captive and wild * Oppose the trade in wild-caught parrots * Educate the public on high standards for the care and breeding of Parrots * Encourage links between conservation and aviculture The bird team here at Australia Zoo are proud as punch to show our support for such a worthy cause. We hold high hopes that the sign will help to educate the public of the plight and the uphill battle our native parrots, and parrots the world over, are up against.

We could go on and on ('til the cows come in!) about the good work the 'World Parrot Trust' have achieved for one of the world's most amazing, intelligent and visually appealing creatures to grace our planet.

We would like to finish up by encouraging you to also jump on the 'World Parrot Trust' website, www.worldparrottrust.org, to find out more and learn about the threats to all parrots and all of nature.