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Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda, Tropical North Queensland, has welcomed the arrival of four female Orange-bellied parrots, a critically endangered species, from the Tasmanian Orange-bellied Parrot Program.

The parrots arrived at Cairns Airport on the evening of Wednesday, 9th October, and were introduced to their new aviary in morning of 10th October.

This marks the first time that these rare migratory parrots are being housed in North Queensland. Wild populations of the Orange-bellied parrot have dwindled to approximately 20 individuals in recent years, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. The parrots spend their time migrating between Tasmania and southeastern Australia in the wild.

The Orange-bellied Parrot Tasmanian Program, managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, is dedicated to the protection, monitoring, and management of this critically endangered species.

The program focuses on habitat restoration, breeding, and the monitoring of wild populations to boost their chances of survival. The main aim is to address the numerous threats facing the Orange-bellied parrot, including habitat loss, predation by invasive species, and the impacts of urbanisation.

At Rainforestation, the parrots will support the breeding program’s crucial mission to preserve the species. As part of this effort, Rainforestation’s role is to care for these four females, enabling the ex-situ breeding program to focus on breeding animals to return to the wild. This collaboration is a vital step in the conservation effort, helping to ensure the survival of one of the world’s rarest parrots.

Rainforestation Nature Park Wildlife Team Leader Dan Kemp expressed his enthusiasm by saying that the park is extremely privileged to house these four beautiful females and showcase them to guests from all over the world.

“In doing so, we not only support the vital conservation work being done but also help raise awareness of the plight of this species and Australian wildlife in general,” he stated.

The CaPTA Group Head of Wildlife Rabecca Lynch, speaking on behalf of the group and Rainforestation, added that it’s an honour to play a part in the conservation of the critically endangered Orange-bellied parrot.

“It is our hope that by bringing attention to their story, we can inspire others to join the effort to protect Australia’s unique wildlife,” she said.

More information on Rainforestation Nature Park

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