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The World Parrot Trust, based at Paradise Park in Hayle, has played a major part in the release of hundreds of illegally captured parrots in Africa.

Looking after the parrots

The charity was tipped off that 1,200 Africa Greys were being taken out of Cameroon without the proper paperwork.

The birds were bound for Mexico and parts of the Middle East but their futures would have been grim as around half of all smuggled wild birds do not survive capture, handling, transport and quarantine to reach their final destination.Ìý

With African Grey Parrots the mortality rate can often be higher due to the species’ highly strung and sensitive nature.

Denis Nightingale has been along to Paradise Park in Hayle to find out more about the work of the World Parrot Trust. Click on the link below for his report:

The World Parrot Trust worked with a local Cameroon wildlife enforcement organisation more usually involved with gorilla and chimpanzee rescues, and they found a temporary home for the parrots at a wildlife centre – also more used to mammals.ÌýThe World Parrot Trust sent $2000 emergency funding to help with the immediate need for housing, feed and veterinary care, and an appeal has been set up to continue the support.

A parrot is released back into the wild

Nearly 700 of the birds were released within days, but more than 100 have died.ÌýA group of 417 birds remain at the centre due to illness, emaciation and feathers damaged by glue trapping. They will need long term care while they gain health and weight, and for their feathers to grow so that they can survive in the wild.

The World Parrot trust is trying to raise more money to help the parrots in Cameroon and their appeal can be found on the website below:

In the first days of the appeal, donors from around the world rallied strongly to show their support.Ìý

"We've had donations from the UK, Europe, Australia, the US and a number of other countries," said Alison Hales, Chairperson of the World Parrot Trust.Ìý

"We're hopeful for a continued strong response so that the rest of the birds can be released back to the wild."