A little over 200 species of animals live at the El Paso Zoo from all parts of the world including North and South America, Asia and Africa.   Why did we choose to have Thick-billed Parrots instead of some other bird species and what do most people do when they see them?

It’s a good question for all of us.  Way too many people who see our animals say to themselves “yes I see the Thick-billed Parrot now what is that animal in the exhibit across the way?” If you took the time to read the zoo graphic you would have discovered that Thick-billed Parrots are highly endangered and today there may be less than 2,000 in the wild down from an estimated 10,000 at the turn of the last century.

The El Paso Zoo has been a member of the Species Survival Plan for Thick-billed Parrots for over 20 years and when we selected animals to be a part of our new Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit it made sense to include Thick-billed Parrots because of our past involvement and our focus on conservation efforts in the Chihuahuan Desert.  I do not believe that our community is doing enough to help this species where they live in Mexico and struggle to survive habitat loss, climate change, predation, and illegal pet trade.  That said what can you and I do to help this endangered species? 

First off learn all you can about Thick-billed Parrots. When you google a species be sure to add the current year since there are a number of older articles online that are out of date.   A recent blog post from this past March tells the story of current efforts to help Thick-billed Parrots sponsored by members of Organización Vida Silvestre A.C. (OVIS) in Mexico, Arizona Fish and Game, World Parrot Trust and San Diego Zoo Global.   You can also read books about parrots and the wildlife of Mexico and conservation efforts in general.  Try also connecting with wildlife conservation advocates in Juarez.  There may be people in our sister city you can collaborate with.

Secondly you can support conservation efforts by donating to any organization working to help Thick-billed Parrots.   Just be sure to ask that your donation is ear-marked only for Thick-billed Parrot conservation.  You can also increase your conservation efforts by organizing a fund raising event.

Thirdly once you have convinced yourself that you want to do more you can contact any organization working in the field and find out if they need volunteers.

Lastly you can organize your own education conservation effort using social media, creating a website or writing an article for a magazine, a newspaper or writing your own book on the subject.  All of the above are possible, I can assure you because I have personally tried each method to help save Mexican wolves, black bears, mountain gorillas and a multitude of other species. 

Don’t just visit the Zoo, take pictures and walk away.  We are a wildlife conservation center and every person in our community can make a difference in helping the El Paso Zoo save wildlife and our natural world.

Rick LoBello, Education Curator

Pictures
Cover – Purolipan, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Map – IUCN
Others by Rick LoBello