14-12-2011
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arizona Docent
Macaws with clipped wings on a fixed branch is so standard, even (or especially) in AZA zoos, that it seems to be just accepted.
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That is interesting as in the UK I think nowadays it is the exception rather than the rule though I can think of a few that still keep Macaws like this- Colchester, Cotswold, Longleat(?) even Jersey did, and may still do- I am sure there are still a number of others too. it is a very sorry spectacle and a sad way to view these powerful fliers- it must border on cruelty though of course societies involved with animal cruelty either don't recognise it, or 'turn a blind eye' as it involves exotic birds kept in Zoos, not domestics in people's homes.
At one time several bird parks in the UK had free flying 'homing' macaws which provided an excellent spectacle. However very few (of those that haven't closed), still seem to do so, probably due to losses(e.g. in high winds and wandering) of valuable birds. A number of Zoos these days also use them as free-flyers in bird shows which means the birds at least get short periods of proper 'free flight' flying exercise.
Many other Macaws in the UK nowadays live in aviaries but they often aren't huge like this one so the birds can't fly very long distances. Of course this all ignores the huge numbers of these spectacular birds that live their unfortunate lives indoors or in close confinement in private homes as pets etc.
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