Patience the African Grey Parrot

A message about Africa's parrots from Dr. Rowan Martin, Africa Conservation Programme Manager, World Parrot Trust ... and a special parrot named Patience.

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The fight to end illegal poaching of wild parrots is one of the more difficult aspects of the work we do here at the World Parrot Trust.

Earlier this year, I was privileged to be part of the release of a group of Grey parrots on Ngamba Island in Uganda. As they ended their harrowing three year journey in the international illegal wildlife trade.

Of the group of Greys awaiting release, there was one that seemed particularly playful. We named this bird Patience, for his courage and tenacity. Patience would walk up one of the poles in the aviary and slide down, again and again. As he did so he'd flap his wings. It was difficult not to imagine he was anticipating the adventure that lay ahead.

While he was in great spirits, upon careful observation we determined he wasn't quite ready to be released; his flight was not strong enough to meet the challenges he would face in the wild.

The tough decision was made to keep him back and release him when we are sure he has the best chance.

Every day from his aviary Patience watches the lucky released birds as they return to the aviary and fly off into the forests.

With our care and support, he'll be able to join his flockmates and the thousands of other parrots WPT has helped release throughout Africa soon.

Please join the fight to save parrots like Patience, and ensure parrots continue to fly free in Africa.

Visit www.parrots.org/africa to learn what you can do to help.