Keiko is a 1.5 year old female Blue Throated Macaw that originated near
Nashville, Tennessee. The Blue Throated Macaw is a critically
endangered parrot that is native to a small area in Bolivia. It is
estimated that only about 350-400 individuals remain in the wild with
the largest cause of the species decline being capture for the pet
trade. The captive population consists of around 1000 individuals and
breeding and conservation programs have been established to help save t
his
species. Keiko serves as an ambassador animal for her species living in
the home of MSU-CVM veterinarian and PhD student, Dr. Ashley P. Janzen.
Keiko makes frequent visits to the MSU-College of Veterinary Medicine
for veterinary students to learn about her species and its conservation
and to gain large parrot husbandry, care, and handling experience.
