And while that is a rare spot of good PR for the much maligned Harvest Caye, it's got another raging controversy on its hands. This time it's over a Scarlet Macaw named Big Red. The Belize Bird Rescue took it in about a year ago, and rehabilitated it for release. But last week, they say the Forestry Department and a Harvest Caye wildlife expert showed up at their headquarters and confiscated Big Red. It's reportedly now at Harvest Caye as part of their nature exhibit. But, a Macaw is a bird of the rainforest, not an island in the sun and slat spray. And that's what has the animal conservation community up in arms. Jamal Andrewin from the Belize Zoo explained:...
Jamal Andrewin - Education Director Belize Zoo
"The concern is that this Macaw that was apparently not assessed by anyone outside of Belize Bird Rescue was deemed non-releasable when the people that have been caring for it since October of 2016 have been adamant, they have asserted strongly that the bird is indeed a releasable candidate. So, they as well as us as their colleagues and other people who have heard the story have raised concerned as to why it was then deemed non-releasable and sent to harvest key for long term captivity when it's quite clear from the people that have been caring for it directly that are the experts on the matter that this bird, very much has a chance of being put back into the wild and continue to be a natural part of our natural heritage here in Belize."
Reporter
"So, you would say that Harvest Caye may be the worst possible place to have this Scarlet Macaw?"
Jamal Andrewin - Education Director Belize Zoo
"Given what the bird needs in terms of its biology, its natural history, being in captivity, it's very hard to see a situation where they could provide these things for the bird on this Caye. The zoo is no stranger to providing long term care for Macaws and other similar species in a more natural environment. As you notice, we are in land, we have a forested area and they are cared for by staff that are committed to the conservation of those species. The concern is that it will be a continued practice, even people who have brought other concerns to us, being leaders in the wildlife field, the public as well as our colleagues, the question right now is what's next. People are fearful and expectorating about what other wild life species will be added to collection on Harvest Caye."
A part of the concern is also at the official level where the Belize Zoo is part of the National Bird Working Group which deals specifically with bird conservation. The issues has not been tabled at that level either:...
Jamal Andrewin - Education Director Belize Zoo
"Unfortunately, this is not an issue that was tabled. As individual members and as a working group, we weren't aware that this situation was happening until we were informed by BBR and we saw it on the media. So yes it is a point of concern for the individual members but it is very much a concern that this was completely passed over at the working group or just the individuals for consultation or even suggestion. So, yes until we get those answers it's a very strong point of concern for us and it is very troubling and that's what we will be looking at clarifying as soon as possible."
The animal conservation community promises to keep fighting against this transplanting of precious bird species, and to internationalize their fight AGAINST NORWEGIAN.
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