African Grey Parrot

Psittacus erithacus

African Grey Parrots are very popular pets. They are known for their ability to talk and mimic noises. However, a lot of people don’t realise what these birds go through before becoming a pet. In the wild, these parrots live in large communities, but in homes they live solitary lives. Their journey from the wild to homes is fraught with danger and death. They are caught with glue covered perches that they land on to feed, and are then squashed into small containers and flown overseas to be sold. It is estimated that 50% of parrots will die on the first part of the journey from the forest to the trader, and a further 25% will die on the journey to their new owners.