We previously shared the news that our colleague, Borbála Kocsis, was appointed Vice Chair of the parrot advisory group within the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Now, we’re pleased to report another international achievement linked to her work.
In cooperation with Copenhagen Zoo, a Long-Term Management Plan (LTMP) has been developed for the king bird-of-paradise. This plan is a key document within EAZA’s species conservation program and is always tailored to the specific needs of the species in question.
The king bird-of-paradise is a unique and prestigious species that is difficult to keep and often targeted by illegal wildlife trade. There are only 35 individuals in European zoos, so while the species is not among the most critically endangered, there is strong interest in its conservation. EAZA member institutions must follow strict acquisition rules, as animals obtained from unreliable sources could unintentionally support illegal trade in wild animals. Therefore, the main goals of the breeding plan are to increase reproduction and to ensure that any acquisition, exchange, or transport of the species only happens in coordination with the species coordinator—helping to prevent illegal trade.
Although our Zoo does not currently house any king birds-of-paradise, thanks to the expertise of our colleague, we are actively involved in conserving the species and countering illegal trafficking. These background efforts may not be visible to visitors, but they are essential to the conservation and scientific mission of modern zoos.
