Loro Parque Achieves Groundbreaking Success in Breeding Endangered Red-vented Cockatoo

Loro Parque, located in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, has reached a remarkable milestone in wildlife conservation with the successful breeding of the endangered red-vented cockatoo, affectionately known as ‘Karrak’. This species, native to southwestern Australia, has been facing numerous challenges, making this achievement all the more significant.

A Landmark Achievement in Conservation

This historic breeding event marks the first successful hatching of the red-vented cockatoo in Europe, a feat accomplished through the tireless efforts of the dedicated teams at Loro Parque and the Loro Parque Fundación. The red-vented cockatoo is classified as endangered, primarily due to severe threats such as habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and competition with other native species.

Marcia Weinzettl, a biologist and bird curator at Loro Parque Fundación, expressed her excitement regarding the successful hatching of the chick. She shared that the process was not without its challenges, as the chick required assistance to emerge from the egg. Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the park’s caregivers, the chick is now thriving under their attentive care, showcasing the importance of skilled personnel in conservation efforts.

Understanding the Threats to the Species

The red-vented cockatoo is heavily reliant on mature eucalyptus forests for nesting, which have been increasingly threatened by human activities such as logging and land development. The resulting loss of habitat has led to a drastic decline in their population, underscoring the urgent need for effective conservation strategies to ensure the survival of this species.

Mike Jordan, the zoo director at Loro Parque, emphasized the significance of this breeding achievement, stating that it represents a vital step in the conservation of the red-vented cockatoo. He highlighted the park’s unwavering commitment not only to the care of this particular species but also to broader conservation efforts in Western Australia, where they are actively working to protect the critically endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo.

Scientific Insights and Future Aspirations

Rafael Zamora, the scientific director at Loro Parque, underscored the scientific importance of this breeding success. He explained that this achievement validates the park’s management practices, which include environmental enrichment and biological monitoring tailored to meet the needs of complex species like the red-vented cockatoo.

Zamora pointed out that the red-vented cockatoo’s sensitivity to environmental changes necessitates specific conditions for successful reproduction. The successful breeding in Europe is viewed as a pivotal moment for ex-situ conservation programs aimed at this species, providing valuable insights into their reproductive behaviors and care requirements.

The data collected from this breeding experience, including detailed observations of reproductive behavior and chick rearing, will be shared with Australian institutions. This collaboration aims to bolster global recovery initiatives for the red-vented cockatoo, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in conservation efforts. Loro Parque emphasizes the critical role of well-managed conservation centers in altering the fate of species on the brink of extinction.

Key points

• Loro Parque has successfully bred the endangered red-vented cockatoo for the first time in Europe.
• The species is native to southwestern Australia and is classified as endangered.
• Efforts to breed the cockatoo involved years of dedicated work from biologists and caregivers.
• The chick required assistance to hatch but is now receiving excellent care.
• Habitat loss and illegal hunting are significant threats to the species.
• Loro Parque is also involved in conservation efforts for Carnaby’s black cockatoo in Western Australia.
• Data from this breeding will aid global recovery efforts for the species.