Six Parrots were born in captivity.

Echo Foundation has at its core mission the survival of Bonaire’s endemic subspecies of the Yellow-Shouldered Parrot, a subspecies found only on Bonaire.  Still considered vulnerable, Bonaire’s lora, as it is locally called, is making a slow but steady comeback.

There are several adult parrots that are in permanent residency at Echo’s Conservation Centre because they can no longer fly.  However, their inability to fly does not lessen their ability to procreate, and just over a year ago, two pair-bonded couples–Mrs. Pink and Bruce, along with Sylvia and Earl–parented a clutch with three successful hatchlings from each pair, creating six captive-born parrots.

The six young parrots grew, and Echo took care of them.  As they matured, they were put into a large flight cage so that they could strengthen their wings.  After about one year, they were ready (and willing) to head out into the wild on their own.

One Parrot was rehabilitated.

The seventh parrot released on Saturday was born in the wild, but suffered a minor injury and thus was rehabilitating at the Echo Conservation Centre.  It was also ready to be released back into its native habitat.

The release of the captive-born parrots.

As the skyward opening was moved back, it took about seven minutes (this interim section has been fast-forwarded in the video for viewing convenience) for the parrots to “discover” the opening and then cautiously explore the additional space.

One parrot left on its own, the first to discover the space.  After alighting on a nearby cactus for a few seconds, it quickly took off for parts unknown as it winged its way into the eastern sky.  It is quite probable that this parrot was the rehabilitated one, as it was quite comfortable outside of the flight cage.

The six captive-born parrots needed a little more encouragement to “fly the coop.”  Julianka Clarenda, Echo’s director, quietly waved a leaf-laden bough softly towards the opening, encouraging the remaining parrots to find and explore their new world.

The first three, most likely clutch-mates, found the opening and climbed on top of the flight cage.  Soon, they took off and landed in near-by cacti.

The final three captive-born parrots witnessed this and quickly made their way out of the flight cage.  They also alighted on near-by cacti.

The six parrots immediately began to get accustomed to their new habitat.  One immediately began eating the fruit of the cactus, and it promptly knocked the fruit to the ground.  It will learn.