400 Rescued African Gray Parrots Return to Wild in Congo Conservation Victory

400 Rescued African Gray Parrots Return to Wild in Congo Conservation Victory

By
Casey Lee

Publish Date:October 21, 2025

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📰 The quick summary: Fifty African gray parrots rescued from illegal wildlife trade have been released back into DRC forests after a year of rehabilitation, helping to restore the endangered species to its natural habitat.
📈 One key stat: Only one-third of captured African gray parrots survive the journey from DRC forests to overseas buyers, highlighting the critical importance of rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
💬 One key quote: “Poachers are still capturing parrots. It is good to have a ministerial decree banning poaching, but there needs to be action on the ground to stop people from trapping the birds,” Corneille Kalume told Mongabay.

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1️⃣ The big picture: The Lukuru Foundation has successfully released 50 African gray parrots back into the wild in DRC’s Maniema province after rescuing them from poachers. These birds underwent a year of rehabilitation at the foundation’s sanctuary, which has now cared for and released approximately 400 parrots recovered from traffickers. In July 2025, the DRC government published a decree prohibiting the capture, possession, or commercialization of African gray parrots, marking a significant step in conservation efforts. To support this initiative, three rehabilitation centers now operate throughout the country, preparing seized parrots for eventual return to their natural habitat. The Lukuru Foundation has successfully released 50 African gray parrots back into the wild in DRC’s Maniema province after rescuing them from poachers.

2️⃣ Why is this good news: Conservation efforts in the DRC are gaining momentum with the establishment of multiple rehabilitation centers dedicated to saving African gray parrots. The Lukuru Foundation has already successfully rehabilitated and released nearly 400 birds, with 50 more recently returning to their forest homes. A new rehabilitation center at Kisangani Zoo opened in April 2025, quickly taking in 112 parrots and expanding the capacity to rescue these endangered birds. The nationwide ban on parrot trade enacted in July provides legal backing for these conservation initiatives, creating a framework to protect one of Africa’s most trafficked bird species from further population decline.

3️⃣ What’s next: Authorities must now focus on raising community awareness about the new parrot protection laws and dismantling established trafficking networks. Conservation groups will need to strengthen monitoring of released birds to prevent recapture. Additional safety mechanisms, including involvement of political and military authorities, will be essential to ensure the long-term success of these conservation efforts.

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Read the full story here: Mongabay – Rescued African gray parrots return to DRC forests

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