Scarlet Macaw Fly Free

Scarlet
Macaw
Fly Free
A Story to Inspire
In June of 2011 the
indigenous people of
Mabita, Honduras
made a decision that is
changing their lives,
and could change
yours. Despite threats to their lives from drug
trafficking and those that were willing to kill for the
people’s land and resources, the people decided to
take back their power. Instead of allowing their
scarlet macaws (Apu Pauni in their native Miskito
language) to be poached and removed from the
towering pines, they mounted parrot patrols to
protect the nests. They were somewhat successful,
but still many chicks were stolen. The people then
took back their birds from the thieves and raised
the birds in their village, vowing to keep the birds
flying free despite the lack of preparation and
resources for such an undertaking. Once these
birds grew out their wing and tail feathers
enough to fly, they were released from their
cages, slowly learning to fly around the village.
Now having a place to release confiscated
macaws, government officials have released more birds, for
a total of 22. Currently 16 regularly visit the village, coming
in every morning to feed. Some of the weaker and injured
ones stay in the village all day, while the others fly further
distances away. In actuality, though it was never the intent,
the village has become a rescue center.
In September 2013 I
witnessed this
community of
parrots and people
living together.
Swooping out of the trees in the mist the macaws congregate, their
plaintive calls echoing throughout the village. They are clearly hungry,
and the villagers share what they can, but are not able to do so every day. Santiago Lacuth, the
leader of the village and center of the macaw effort, said that it caused much sadness to him to
hear how hungry they are and not be able to feed them. Another leader David said that they
have sacrificed much, choosing to feed the macaws when
there isn’t enough for their children. The birds have
ravaged the village’s fruit and coconut trees, leaving even
less food for all. Though they may have given up much,
they have also gained. Bright rainbow birds fly in and
among the houses throughout the day, their beauty
paralyzing me with awe and wonder. Because of what has
happened here, the world is a better place. The villagers work to save these once imprisoned
macaws is leading to an effort to save the wild macaws in the entire area, improve the living
conditions of the people, and provide a place to marvel at the strength of relationships
between people and between species.
But these people cannot do all this on their own.
They need you.
The birds need you.
The Needs.
Currently the people and the birds are not doing
well. The people are not starving as they have
animals and plants they raise for food, however
they struggle to balance their diet. In addition
they have needs for medicines, eye glasses, and
simple every day necessities that others might
take for granted. There is very little paid
employment in the region and they have not had a
school teacher for their children for the last year.
Their resources have been spread even thinner by
sharing their food with the scarlet macaws (Apu
Pauni) that have been living with them since June 2011.
Likewise the birds have not gotten enough
food or of the correct kinds. They are
malnourished and need higher quality food so
that they can integrate more strongly into the
savannah and jungle habitats that surround
the village. One young bird was very weak
and thin, with two broken legs and a wing,
the result of being violently pulled from the
nest when a chick. Others too have broken
wings, damaged beaks, and parasites. There
is no doctor in the village, for parrots or
people
alike.
Chick with two broken legs and one wing looking for food in
kitchen
Two birds with broken wings must walk
Unless someone helps them
What You Can Do
1. The birds need to eat more and better. To
feed them a basic diet of rice, beans, and kibble
dog food, the families need outside resources to
pay for the $6 a day it takes to feed them. This is
$180 a month. Please consider sending in a
donation to cover one month of food, or a lesser
amount to pay for medicines or a partial month.
Treating birds while they eat
2. The birds need veterinary care and
medications. To bring in regular veterinary
care and training, the village needs to be able
to house visitors. By constructing a house that
can sleep 8 people, visitors and students can
immediately plan to visit and support the
Teaching villagers how to treat macaws
people. In addition to having a place to stay,
the Casa de Visitantes (Visitors House) will
provide an income for the people and could
stabilize the area. This same house will also
serve as a station for researchers and a
location for ecotourism. Hikes through the
jungle, swims in the rivers, horseback rides
through the pine savannah, and gorgeous views
taking in village life that is comprised of parrots
and people are all possible there. One Earth
Conservation has promised the initial funds of
$2000 to start building the house. We only need
$3500 more so the house can be completed by
December 2013. There is a sense of urgency that
the house get built as soon as possible so that
help can reach these birds. Please consider
Taking care of their sick birds
Discussing location of Visitors House
sending in a donation to insure that this house gets built, and soon.
3. I will be returning to the area in
December 2013 to help inaugurate
the house and help the people
“practice” how to meet the needs of
visitors. Please consider joining me on
a future trip so that your presence will
encourage and support the people,
provide immediate income, and give
you a chance to witness this phenomenon so you can share it with the world as you
stand in solidarity with the people and parrots. The initial trips are not designed for
comfort, although we will do our best. The village is remote, without electricity, running
water, or inside bathrooms. If you would like to go on a trip, sponsor Hondurans so that
they can visit, have ideas, or would like more information about this project, contact
me, Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner at [email protected] or 914-948-1696. I am a Unitarian
Universalist minister, Director of One Earth Conservation and Lafeber Conservation, and
have worked in Central America for 26 years.
To make direct tax deductable donations, click here and go to the donate button at the
bottom right of the page.
Or make out a check to: Parrots International
and send it to:
One Earth Conservation - Dr. LoraKim Joyner
466 Rosedale Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
Thank you for helping birds and human spirits fly free with hope for the flourishing of all.
Villagers react joyfully to a macaw
flying into trees above them. Why
not join them, in spirit or in
person?