Auckland Zoo Aukland Zoo Soon to display Scarlet X Macaw in a mixed exhibit

No, I'm saying its not the optimum scenario, I'm glad they are adhering to ARAZPA and I would personally object if they were planning to breed hybrids...

Keep in mind Auckland Zoo is my favourite place in the world..!
 
I am not saying that either .
I asked the zoo to clarify what appeared to be a potential departure of ARAZPA policy and they have responded .
My personal views about breeding parrots are not really the issue (?)
The main fact is that the zoo has not contravened ARAZPA policy
 
Maybe they should breed the bird with (All-Blacks skipper) Richie McCaw and get a bird that can play rugby! :p
 
an all-black macaw would probably be worth way more money than a scarlet one!
 
"ARAZPA institutions… Do not selectively breed wildlife for characteristics not representative of corresponding wild populations, unless it can be demonstrated that the result of such breeding will assist in delivering a positive message about conservation values and the conservation of wildlife. Spaces needed for direct conservation and/or education purposes should not be compromised by such a breeding decision."
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does anyone else think that ARAZPA is somewhat inconsistent in their position on this? I mean, as I understand it the zoos are combining all the zebras in the region into a generic hybrid population, and Orana is breeding hybrids between South African and North African crested porcupines on TAG recommendations. Where are any possible conservation values in that?
 
I think seems like it is coming down to colour, these other hybrids are only identifiable to a somewhat educated eye...
 
I went to the zoo on Friday and got some more info... The macaw is a male, currently called Rudy and is still in quarantine... It will displayed with the two blue and yellow Macaws... I'll upload the pics of the Macaw aviary later...
 
this wasn't made clear in the posts....was the macaw donated to the zoo by the owner (I'm assuming it was a pet bird) rather then the zoo purchasing it?
 
I believe so, I'll ask for clarification on that the next time I go...
 
or maybe the owner could no longer take care of the bird ( for whatever reason ) , gave it to the SPCA , who then asked the zoo if they would to have the bird .... ?

I cant imagine the zoo forking out any $$s for a macaw that the zoo is not going to breed ( although I could well be proven wrong ) but like any zoo , if it was given the bird , and it doesnt contravene any regional zoo breeding plans etc , the zoo would certainly consider accepting it !
 
The info lady today didn't know if it was donated, I'll keep an ear out... I've taken some photos of the enclosure the bird will be kept in with two blue and gold macaws... This enclosures is one of two original enclosure (1922) and one of the three worst in the zoo:

Side View:

Auckland Zoo - Photo Gallery

Front View:

Auckland Zoo - Photo Gallery
 
Its not too bad Jeremy; judging by your photos its reasonably roomy, planted out, natural branches for perches; heaven on earth compared to the way some scumbag breeders in U.S. keep their macaws.
 
I remember when that cage was a ridiculous mix of a huge variety of parrots from red-tailed black cockatoos and eclectus to red-fronted macaws. Basically a show cage with no hope at all for breeding. Wonder what happened to all those birds.
 
They have been moved to other aviaries along the Motions Road edge of the zoo (the oldest remaining enclosures)...
 
so have you seen the hybrid macaw yet NZ Jeremy, and have you any photos?
 
Funny you should ask... Rufus's first day on display was last Monday... He was put in with one of the blue and gold's (with the other off display) and was chasing the other bird (slowly) around the enclosure...

He has a white face with a pattern of black lines, mainly scarlet body with some blue and yellow on his back...

Next time I go I'll take my camera so you can all see..!
 
did they change its name from Rudy to Rufus? Richie would have been better.
 
Hey everyone, just started reading all these posts! Very interesting conversation. To clarify a bit. Rufus was definitely donated.
Also, to an earlier point that the Macaws regularly escape due to the facilities - this is a bit skewed.
Both the Blue and Gold Macaws (Blake and Chico) enjoy free flight out of their cage on a regular basis. As with any animal, it takes alot of work and bond-building to build up their confidence. Every now and then during their supervised free-flight encounters, Chico will get attacked by seagulls (no I'm not joking!) and as a consequence will panic and fly away.
Often he circles right around back to the keeper, but sometimes gets confused and sits up in a tree for a bit until he is coaxed back down.
The debate about hybrids etc. could go round and round, zoos have to try and find a balance between conservation, education, animal welfare etc. My opinion is that having a different breed of Macaw on display is educational and obviously they wouldn't breed from a hybrid.
 
Laloba said:
Also, to an earlier point that the Macaws regularly escape due to the facilities - this is a bit skewed.
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My apologies, I assumed due to the way I've seen keepers very carefully enter/exit...

Rudy was the name I was told when I enquired at the info desk a month or two ago and Rufus when it was on display...
 
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