64 Exotic Parrots Were Found Stuffed Inside Plastic Bottles By Smugglers In Indonesia

What a cruel way to treat these innocent creatures! Hopefully the perpetrators will face the full force of the law.

Dozens of parrots were found stuffed inside plastic water bottles on a ship docked in the town of Fakfak, Papua, Indonesia last Thursday (19 November 2020). It is believed that these parrots were intended to be sold at illegal giant avian markets within Indonesia or smuggled abroad.

According to reports by the BBC, the ship’s crew reportedly heard noises coming from a large box inside the vessel. They suspected there were animals inside the box and contacted the local police.

The police then opened the box and found that there were 64 live black-capped lories and another 10 dead birds inside. Black-capped lories are a type of parrot native to the island of New Guinea which is split between Indonesia’s Papua region and the country Papua New Guinea.

Indonesia is home to many exotic flora and fauna, including 130 threatened bird species; more than any other country except Brazil. These birds are usually poached and trafficked by smuggling gangs for sale as pets or status symbols.

The Indonesian police is still investigating the case and the intention and destination for these parrots are still unclear. Hopefully, the perpetrators would be found soon and dealt with by local authorities!

Also read: Zoo Negara, Home To 5,000 Animals, Only Has Enough Funds To Last Another 3 Months