In November 2023, The Macaw Society hosted the “Parrot Release in the Americas” Virtual Symposium and Workshop, bringing together researchers, conservation practitioners, rehabilitation centers, government representatives, and other stakeholders working to improve how parrots are returned to the wild.

The event created a space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and strengthen collaboration among people and organizations involved in psittacine release across the Americas. Parrot releases are an important but complex conservation tool, especially as many species face threats from illegal trade, habitat loss, and declining wild populations. At the same time, thousands of confiscated parrots are held in rescue and rehabilitation centers, and some may be candidates for responsible release.

Throughout the symposium and workshop, participants discussed the need for careful planning, appropriate protocols, and long-term monitoring. Poorly planned releases can create serious risks, including disease transmission, genetic impacts, ecological disruption, and poor welfare outcomes for the birds themselves. The event emphasized the importance of documenting both successes and failures, improving access to practical guidance, and supporting better decision-making for parrot release programs.

By bringing together diverse voices from across the region, the symposium helped strengthen a growing network of parrot release experts and practitioners. The conversations and connections developed during this event continue to support responsible release efforts and encourage collaboration among conservationists, governments, rehabilitation centers, and researchers working with parrots across the Americas.