Parrots International is passionately involved in an international breeding program to re introduce the Spix to the wild. Toward that goal, my husband, a well-respected aviculturist, discussed strategies with the staff at Lymington, offering his breeding expertise toward ideas that may increase reproduction of the captive pairs.

Next we were off to Campo Grande to pick up renowned Brazilian biologist, Nieva Guedes, who accompanied us on the rest of our journey.  Nieva heads the Hyacinth Macaw Project.  She started this enormously successful program in 1990, when she realized that without intervention, the majestic macaws would be gone in 10 years.  Now there are more than 5,000 in the wild.

While in the Pantanal, we got permission to stay in abandoned farmhouses on private properties that have been converted to cattle ranches. Because of the increasing demand for beef, cattle ranching is on the rise-a sad reality for animals whose homes are being destroyed due to expansion.  Flying above, we witnessed dozens of smoky fires, intentionally set to make room for more pastures, or encourage new vegetation for the cows to eat.

The best we could do was talk to ranchers about the lack of housing for birds there.  Some were more concerned than others.  On ranches owned by supporters, we assisted in inspecting handmade wooden nest boxes throughout their property, installed to provide a home for Hyacinths wanting to breed, but unable to find a vacant hollow tree.

We also inspected natural nest sites, conducted surveys, examined chicks and gave them medical attention if necessary.  We were thrilled to see that many of the nests hung in previous years were filled with baby Hyacinths, other species of endangered birds and, in one case, an anteater.

Eco-tourism is a glimmer of hope for the Pantanal.  We stayed in three eco-lodges there.  As I see it, this is one of the best long term solutions for saving the area, as it creates an economic incentive for landowners to preserve the environment.  The challenge is the Pantanal’s lack of infrastructure.  There are very few tourist facilities, and transportation is limited.  Flooding occurs during the rainy season, and many areas are accessible only by boat or horseback.

Omar and I have supported the efforts of Parrots International for several years, but seeing its successes first hand, and helping where we could, was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I would urge everyone who loves animals to get involved in a conservation effort close to their heart.

Carolyn and Omar Gonzalez own two bird stores and a petting zoo in Orange County, California