Breeding-for-release can benefit endangered species recovery. The World Parrot Trust, and Paradise Park UK, with Taman Safari III in Bali, are carrying out a breeding-for-release program on the island to produce offspring for the reintroduction of Mitchell’s Lorikeet (Trichoglossus forsteni mitchellii).

In 2025, 40 birds were sent from Paradise Park in the UK in coordination with the World Parrot Trust. Paradise Park holds the world’s largest and most successful captive population of T. f. mitchellii, and over the years has accumulated experience managing the species, maintaining a healthy genetic pool, facilitating strong pair bonds, and producing multiple successful clutches annually. As of late 2025, the birds had begun breeding in their new home.

In Bali, the birds are provided spacious enclosures to encourage natural behaviours such as foraging, nesting and social interaction. Regular wellness checks, disease prevention and quick access to veterinary care will ensure the birds’ health, and balanced foods will be offered to boost reproductive and general health. Breeding will be carefully monitored. Captive-bred individuals will be trained to develop survival skills foraging, avoiding predators, and socially interacting to mimic wild group dynamics and hierarchy. Once offspring are old enough and a location in a protected area has been identified, they will be acclimated to the weather and foods native to the area before release.

Once safely established in the wild, the birds will be encouraged to breed through the team providing predator-proof and camera-monitored nest boxes in the release area. Artificial nest installations are necessary to replace mature nesting trees, which have been lost to deforestation. The team will install different-sized boxes in different sizes to provide more breeding opportunities and reduce competition for valuable nest sites.