During Naturalesa ta Papia – the voice of This year, the Lora featured one of Aruba's most iconic species: the Yellow-shouldered Amazon (Lora).
Our colleagues Johan and Joost will be there on behalf of Avifauna to share knowledge about the care, monitoring, and protection of parrots. We will also discuss the EAZA's international EEP program: a network in which European zoos collaborate on species conservation through careful breeding and exchange programs. Avifauna is proud to be the coordinator of the EEP program for the Lora.
This knowledge sharing is crucial, because the Lora plays a vital role in Aruba's ecosystem – from seed dispersal to maintaining natural balance. This marks the beginning of a careful recovery plan, in which we aim to release young birds annually.
From education to action: together with ACF (Aruba Conservation Foundation), we are working step by step towards the return of the Lora.
We also believe it's important to share that, together with ACF, we're also meeting with key politicians and organizations to prioritize the Lora Project. We've been present at: the VNO Netherlands Oranjestad-Aruba representative office, the DNM – Directorate for Nature and Environment, and the veterinary service/CITES authority.
Together we are working towards a future in which the Lora can once again be heard in Aruba's nature – and we are taking international steps for species conservation.
Pictured: Joost Lammer, Gisbert Boekhoudt, Johan van der Haven and Natasha Silva (CCO of ACF).
