Friday, August 30, 2019

Blue Throated Macaw a critically endangered parrot

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 this 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.