ANIMALS
Smuggled Parrot Eggs Discovered at Miami International Airport – Rescued by the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, Parrot Eggs Hatched to be Adopted as Pets
A wildlife smuggler was captured at Miami International Airport in March when one of the parrot eggs he was transporting hatched, and a telltale chirping alerted a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer.
Szu Ta Wu arrived from Nicaragua and stopped in Miami on March 23 en route to Taiwan, carrying 29 eggs in a carry-on cooler bag, authorities said. By the time wildlife officials were called, several more baby parrots had hatched.
Wu was arrested on smuggling charges and pleaded guilty May 5, per reports. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Officials contacted the Loxahatchee-based Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, which took in the hatchlings and remaining eggs. Of the 29 eggs, 26 hatched, and 24 of those hatchlings survived.
“Poaching for the pet trade has decimated parrot populations in Central America, with over 90% of nests robbed,” the RSCF wrote on Facebook. “Most of these babies die in the process.”
DNA testing revealed the parrots belonged to two different species, the yellow-naped Amazon and the red-lored Amazon. Staff at RSCF have been hand-raising the hatchlings, and providing constant care.
“These refugees of illegal wildlife trade are thriving here and our dedicated staff have been working round-the-clock to keep them happy and healthy,” RSCF said.
The organization said that none of the birds will be available for adoption as pets.
“Our ultimate goal is to repatriate and re-export the birds to their countries of origin if possible,” RSCF said. If that isnt possible, the organization plans to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to find organizations that can provide them with long-term care in group and flock settings.
