African Grey Parrots are a unique species known for their extraordinary intelligence and ability to imitate human voices. As part of a rescue operation carried out by international associations, 34 gray parrots that were illegally taken from Africa to Spain were safely transported to Congo by Turkish Cargo.
Turkish Cargo, which acts with the mission of respect for animal life and nature in all transportation activities, was involved in the process as a sponsor carrier. Turkish Cargo, which meticulously planned every detail of the operation, successfully transported the African Grey Parrots to Congo via Istanbul. After being brought to Congo, the African Grey Parrots were kept under quarantine for a while and released to their natural habitat after all health checks.
In line with our mission to protect wildlife, we are proud to take an active role in the fight against illegal animal trade and continue to contribute to nature, wildlife and biodiversity for a more sustainable world within the scope of #MissionRescue.
African Grey Parrots Homecoming Story
African Grey Parrots
The gray African parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is one of the world's most talented talking birds, known for its extraordinary intelligence and strong mimicry. Living in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa, these parrots are noted for their social and emotional intelligence, and some even show the ability to understand human language.
Victim of Illegal Trade
The Grey African Parrot is an endangered species, listed in Appendix I of the CITES convention and is the most trafficked parrot species in the world. Their extinction is threatened by habitat destruction and illegal trade. Therefore, international conservation efforts are crucial both to protect their role in the ecosystem and to combat illegal trade.
Rescue Operation
Grey macaws were captured during illegal smuggling operations in Spain. International authorities and organizations such as the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition, Wild at Life, the Foundation for Research in Ethology and Biodiversity (FIEB), the CITES Administrative Authority and the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) worked in collaboration to reintroduce the rescued parrots to their natural habitat.
Initial Discussions
Following an extensive assessment process for Grey African Parrots, the Democratic Republic of Congo was identified as the most suitable destination due to the successful conservation project at Tchimpounga Nature Reserve. In 2023, initial discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo CITES Management Authority were welcomed and the groundwork was laid for the technical preparations of the project. After extensive examinations, 34 parrots were found suitable for the project.
The Journey Home
Turkish Cargo undertook the parrots' journey home in line with its mission to prevent illegal animal life trade. Within the scope of the Mission Rescue project, 34 Gray African Parrots were transported safely and healthily from Madrid to Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo.
Freedom A New Life
After their arrival, the parrots underwent a rehabilitation process at Tchimpounga Nature Reserve to be reintroduced into their natural habitat. They will now be able to live a happy life in their natural habitat and flap their wings freely.