South Africa rescues parrot chicks from traffickers
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Wildlife experts in South Africa are caring for endangered parrot chicks after authorities seized the eggs at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment asked the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) to intervene when they learned eggs were being transported in dangerous conditions. Two separate interceptions revealed makeshift incubators exposed the eggs to cold and shaking, which prevented many from hatching and harmed those that did.
Minister David Maynier visited Sanbi on September 10, 2026, to see the progress and learned genetic testing identified the hatchlings as African Grey, Galah, and Conure parrots, all species protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES requires permits for international trade in these birds. Authorities arrested one suspect, and will add animal cruelty charges to the case when they return to court on September 16, 2026.
Investigators praised the cooperation between multiple law enforcement units, including the department’s Green Scorpions, in disrupting the trafficking operation. Maynier stated his department will work to provide more support to the Green Scorpions to combat international wildlife trafficking networks.
