Captive-born scarlet macaws in Costa Rica are reproducing in the wild for the first time. The new parents are members of a group of 100 macaws, born in the ZooAve Center for the Rescue of Endangered Species, who have been released into the wild within the last ten years. The parrots were once numerous throughout Costa Rica, but they now remain in reduced numbers in just two national parks. Biologists were unable to find any offspring until recently. Since last year, 22 chicks have been born in the wild. Additional chicks are expected, as four more scarlet macaw pairs have produced eggs. (Source: Associated Press)
Want to learn more about the plight of the scarlet macaw? Read our media lounge selection, The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw, by Bruce Barcott.