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While local forestry authorities are actively intervening and confiscating smuggled parrots, the lack of suitable facilities for the placement and rehabilitation of these rescued birds have resulted in their pre-mature release into the wild. Without proper rehabilitation, many of these birds may harbour diseases or lack abilities to survive in the wild due to the stress of poaching and poor captive conditions.
To address this gap, Konservasi Kakatua Indonesia (KKI) is managing the “Kembali Bebas” Masihulan Avian Rescue and Reintroduction Centre. Supported by Mandai Nature, it is the only rescue and rehabilitation centre for such birds in southern Maluku. As of April 2020, there were more than 80 individuals from 12 parrot species at the centre.
In 2021, the KKI team has also repatriated several birds from the centre to the Aru islands. Prior to their release to the wild, the birds underwent health checks and testing for diseases, before being placed in habituation cages to allow them to adjust to the environmental conditions.
By employing the local community to help with the facility, KKI has re-established strong connections with them. Building trust through regular engagements have also helped to boost understanding of wild parrot conservation amongst the community chiefs and villagers. KKI also conducts programmes with schools and local communities to raise awareness on anti-smuggling and conservation.
Going forward, KKI plans to improve and reinstate procedures and protocols to ensure safe and successful releases of parrots to their wild habitats, continue to increase collaborations with key government and conservation stakeholders, and establish more release locations.
Konservasi Kakatua Indonesia (KKI) is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation engaged in the conservation of wild cockatoos and crooked beak birds in Indonesia. KKI is part of the Indonesian Parrot Project (IPP).
