FlyFree Initiative
Parrots have been captured for the companion bird trade for many decades. Extensive research has shown that trafficking has caused the suffering and loss of hundreds of thousands of parrots. Over 50% of birds die during capture and transport; those that survive may spread disease to companion birds and people. In the wild, populations are often severely depleted, species' genetic diversity lost due to adults being trapped, and nest sites destroyed to get to chicks.
The World Parrot Trust has driven multiple strategic interventions through the FlyFree Initiative in order to combat the wild bird trade. Begun in 2009, its contributions span public awareness and legislative advocacy, to hands‑on rescue, rehabilitation, and release of trafficked parrots. WPT has also pioneered best practices in reintroduction, built local capacity, and supported forensic, policy, and monitoring tools that strengthen protection of parrots at source, transit, and destination.
Raising awareness and influencing legislation
Campaigned globally for change, including being instrumental in securing the EU ban on imports of wild‑caught birds, and other reforms to reduce demand and tighten trade regulation.Rescue, rehabilitation, and release of trafficked parrots
Supported work in more than 20 countries, helping tens of thousands of parrots that were caught in the trade to be rehabilitated and, where possible, returned to safe habitat.Developing best practices for reintroduction
Worked on methods for safe and effective reintroduction of parrots into native environments, including pre‑release training and monitoring.Training local experts and strengthening capacity
Provided technical training, resources, and support to local authorities, rescue centres, veterinarians, and community groups to improve rescue, care, and enforcement outcomes.Creating tools and supporting long‑term monitoring
Backed work on forensic identification tools to trace illegal trade, monitoring of released birds, and policies to support lasting protections for parrots in the wild.
With in-country partners, FlyFree’s efforts continue to mitigate the worldwide impact of the wild bird trade.
Find out what projects the World Parrot Trust is supporting through the FlyFree Program.
