Aukland Zoo Soon to display Scarlet X Macaw in a mixed exhibit » Auckland Zoo

Official response from Auckland Zoo
05-06-2008

Hi Nigel

Thanks for your query. I apologise for the lateness of this reply which was due to me being away from my office for a few days.

So, to your questions; I am working on the premise that the relevant ARAZPA policy that your contributor refers to is part 17 of the Code of Practice, which currently states:

"ARAZPA institutions… Do not selectively breed wildlife for characteristics not representative of corresponding wild populations, unless it can be demonstrated that the result of such breeding will assist in delivering a positive message about conservation values and the conservation of wildlife. Spaces needed for direct conservation and/or education purposes should not be compromised by such a breeding decision."

(As a matter of interest I understand that there is currently a move to amend this policy so that it covers acquisition through methods other than breeding, and yet allows for members to acquire such animals for welfare reasons on the understanding that spaces needed for direct conservation and/or education purposes should not be compromised by such a decision.)

So I'm afraid that it would be inaccurate to state that the decision to display a hybrid bird 'is in contravention of ARAZPA's stated position on hybrids' as we haven't contravened any ARAZPA policy - although a hybrid macaw did come into our collection, we didn't breed it. It is also true to say that we acquired the macaw as a response to a stated welfare need, as the group dynamics in which it had been placed were not commensurate with safeguarding its future wellbeing.

In response to the question as to what purpose was behind the decision to display this macaw, I decided to do so as I am of the firm opinion that it will assist in delivering a positive message to our visitors about conservation… and that spaces needed for other purposes won't be compromised (there are no ASMP programs for macaws.)

I hope this answers your questions and many thanks for your kind comments about our FOTZ Newsletter.

Kind regards

Charles Cadwallader
Curator, Life Sciences

05-06-2008

Did they mention anything about its breeding in the future..? Presumably not..?

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06-06-2008

What you can read in the thread is what I got .... it sounds like this case it was an issue of animal welfare .
I cant honestly see Auckland Zoo deliberately contravening ARAZPA , and would they decide to do it if it may mean more emails from myself/others asking them to explain their position .

07-06-2008

Neither can I one of their chartered goals is be respected throughout the zoological world...

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07-06-2008

So, Nigel and N Z Jeremy, what you guys are saying is that, because the bird is a hybrid, the zoo shouldn't even house it!

Are finances that tight at Auckland? Your outlook seems a bit politically correct to me.

07-06-2008

No, I'm saying its not the optimum scenario, I'm glad they are adhering to ARAZPA and I would personally object if they were planning to breed hybrids...

Keep in mind Auckland Zoo is my favourite place in the world..!

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09-06-2008

I am not saying that either .
I asked the zoo to clarify what appeared to be a potential departure of ARAZPA policy and they have responded .
My personal views about breeding parrots are not really the issue (?)
The main fact is that the zoo has not contravened ARAZPA policy

10-06-2008

Maybe they should breed the bird with (All-Blacks skipper) Richie McCaw and get a bird that can play rugby!

10-06-2008

an all-black macaw would probably be worth way more money than a scarlet one!

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11-06-2008

does anyone else think that ARAZPA is somewhat inconsistent in their position on this? I mean, as I understand it the zoos are combining all the zebras in the region into a generic hybrid population, and Orana is breeding hybrids between South African and North African crested porcupines on TAG recommendations. Where are any possible conservation values in that?

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12-06-2008

I think seems like it is coming down to colour, these other hybrids are only identifiable to a somewhat educated eye...

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17-06-2008

I went to the zoo on Friday and got some more info... The macaw is a male, currently called Rudy and is still in quarantine... It will displayed with the two blue and yellow Macaws... I'll upload the pics of the Macaw aviary later...

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17-06-2008

this wasn't made clear in the posts....was the macaw donated to the zoo by the owner (I'm assuming it was a pet bird) rather then the zoo purchasing it?

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18-06-2008

I believe so, I'll ask for clarification on that the next time I go...

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19-06-2008

or maybe the owner could no longer take care of the bird ( for whatever reason ) , gave it to the SPCA , who then asked the zoo if they would to have the bird .... ?

I cant imagine the zoo forking out any $$s for a macaw that the zoo is not going to breed ( although I could well be proven wrong ) but like any zoo , if it was given the bird , and it doesnt contravene any regional zoo breeding plans etc , the zoo would certainly consider accepting it !