World's Fattest Parrots Saved by Laurel Ferguson

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The kākāpō is colorfully patterned parrot known to be the world's fattest parrot and can be found in New Zealand.  The parrots just went through their most successful breeding season, gathering hope for the future of the endangered species.  Recently, the kākāpō parrots suffered an outbreak of a serious respiratory disease called aspergillosis.  

 As soon as scientists discovered how quickly the disease was spreading, volunteer vets arrived from around the world to help build pens to house the birds, collect food, and examine birds to determine whether they were ill. 

 Thanks to the work of these vets, the administering of drugs to stop the spread was successful and the outbreak was contained.  Many birds were nursed back to health, and most of the chicks from the previous breeding season survived and contributed to a rising population count of kākāpō parrots.
Image result for kakapo parrot
Seeing people like these volunteer vets dedicated to helping our environment gives me hope for our future.  I also thought this article was relevant because of the effects COVID-19 has had on our environment.  Recently, air and water pollution has significantly diminished due to so many people staying inside and traveling less.  Hope is not completely lost, and this article lifted my spirits in this somewhat gloomy time.  Hopefully it did the same for you!

P.S. don't forget to wash your hands!

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 22, 2020 at 6:34 PM

    Haha the kākāpō's situation kind of resembles our own. COVID-19 causes respiratory illness, and humans are breeding more than ever. COVID-19 also spreads really easily, which is why we're all pitching in to help by social distancing and self-quarantining. Maybe these birds are a sign of what's to come for us!

    ReplyDelete
  2. DanielleMarch 23, 2020 at 7:56 AM

    That little (big) guy is cute! I hope they are a sign of hope and the PS is an important reminder!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 23, 2020 at 3:02 PM

    Such an uplifting article (and post). I'm happy they were able to be helped!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMarch 31, 2020 at 4:22 AM

    I love birds and I'm so happy they're recovering! Great post

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMarch 31, 2020 at 9:16 AM

    I love you for blessing my eyes with these chunky birds I would've never knew existed.

    ReplyDelete

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