Scarlet

Macaw

Fly Free

A Story to Inspire

In June of 2011 the

indigenous people of

Mabita, Honduras

made a decision that is

changing their lives,

and could change

yours. Despite threats to their lives from drug

trafficking and those that were willing to kill for the

people’s land and resources, the people decided to

take back their power. Instead of allowing their

scarlet macaws (Apu Pauni in their native Miskito

language) to be poached and removed from the

towering pines, they mounted parrot patrols to

protect the nests. They were somewhat successful,

but still many chicks were stolen. The people then

took back their birds from the thieves and raised

the birds in their village, vowing to keep the birds

flying free despite the lack of preparation and

resources for such an undertaking. Once these

birds grew out their wing and tail feathers

enough to fly, they were released from their

cages, slowly learning to fly around the village.

Now having a place to release confiscated

macaws, government officials have released more birds, for

a total of 22. Currently 16 regularly visit the village, coming

in every morning to feed. Some of the weaker and injured

ones stay in the village all day, while the others fly further

distances away. In actuality, though it was never the intent,

the village has become a rescue center.

In September 2013 I

witnessed this

community of

parrots and people

living together.

Swooping out of the trees in the mist the macaws congregate, their

plaintive calls echoing throughout the village. They are clearly hungry,

and the villagers share what they can, but are not able to do so every day. Santiago Lacuth, the

leader of the village and center of the macaw effort, said that it caused much sadness to him to

hear how hungry they are and not be able to feed them. Another leader David said that they

have sacrificed much, choosing to feed the macaws when

there isn’t enough for their children. The birds have

ravaged the village’s fruit and coconut trees, leaving even

less food for all. Though they may have given up much,

they have also gained. Bright rainbow birds fly in and

among the houses throughout the day, their beauty

paralyzing me with awe and wonder. Because of what has

happened here, the world is a better place. The villagers work to save these once imprisoned

macaws is leading to an effort to save the wild macaws in the entire area, improve the living

conditions of the people, and provide a place to marvel at the strength of relationships

between people and between species.

But these people cannot do all this on their own.

They need you.

The birds need you.

The Needs.

Currently the people and the birds are not doing

well. The people are not starving as they have

animals and plants they raise for food, however

they struggle to balance their diet. In addition

they have needs for medicines, eye glasses, and

simple every day necessities that others might

take for granted. There is very little paid

employment in the region and they have not had a

school teacher for their children for the last year.

Their resources have been spread even thinner by

sharing their food with the scarlet macaws (Apu

Pauni) that have been living with them since June 2011.

Likewise the birds have not gotten enough

food or of the correct kinds. They are

malnourished and need higher quality food so

that they can integrate more strongly into the

savannah and jungle habitats that surround

the village. One young bird was very weak

and thin, with two broken legs and a wing,

the result of being violently pulled from the

nest when a chick. Others too have broken

wings, damaged beaks, and parasites. There

is no doctor in the village, for parrots or

people

alike.

Chick with two broken legs and one wing looking for food in kitchen

Two birds with broken wings must walk

Unless someone helps them

What You Can Do

1. The birds need to eat more and better. To

feed them a basic diet of rice, beans, and kibble

dog food, the families need outside resources to

pay for the $6 a day it takes to feed them. This is

$180 a month. Please consider sending in a

donation to cover one month of food, or a lesser

amount to pay for medicines or a partial month.

2. The birds need veterinary care and

medications. To bring in regular veterinary

care and training, the village needs to be able

to house visitors. By constructing a house that

can sleep 8 people, visitors and students can

immediately plan to visit and support the

people. In addition to having a place to stay,

the Casa de Visitantes (Visitors House) will

provide an income for the people and could

stabilize the area. This same house will also

serve as a station for researchers and a

location for ecotourism. Hikes through the

jungle, swims in the rivers, horseback rides

through the pine savannah, and gorgeous views

taking in village life that is comprised of parrots

and people are all possible there. One Earth

Conservation has promised the initial funds of

$2000 to start building the house. We only need

$3500 more so the house can be completed by

December 2013. There is a sense of urgency that

the house get built as soon as possible so that

help can reach these birds. Please consider

Discussing location of Visitors House

Teaching villagers how to treat macaws

Taking care of their sick birds

Treating birds while they eat

sending in a donation to insure that this house gets built, and soon.

3. I will be returning to the area in

December 2013 to help inaugurate

the house and help the people

“practice” how to meet the needs of

visitors. Please consider joining me on

a future trip so that your presence will

encourage and support the people,

provide immediate income, and give

you a chance to witness this phenomenon so you can share it with the world as you

stand in solidarity with the people and parrots. The initial trips are not designed for

comfort, although we will do our best. The village is remote, without electricity, running

water, or inside bathrooms. If you would like to go on a trip, sponsor Hondurans so that

they can visit, have ideas, or would like more information about this project, contact

me, Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner at amoloros@gmail.com or 914-948-1696. I am a Unitarian

Universalist minister, Director of One Earth Conservation and Lafeber Conservation, and

have worked in Central America for 26 years.

To make direct tax deductable donations, click here and go to the donate button at the

bottom right of the page.

Or make out a check to: Parrots International

and send it to: One Earth Conservation - Dr. LoraKim Joyner

466 Rosedale Avenue

White Plains, NY 10605

Thank you for helping birds and human spirits fly free with hope for the flourishing of all.

Villagers react joyfully to a macaw

flying into trees above them. Why

not join them, in spirit or in

person?