Ethical considerations on Parrots in presentations and current recommendations by the EAZA Parrot Taxon Advisory Group
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Ethical considerations on Parrots in presentations and current recommendations by the EAZA Parrot Taxon Advisory Group Supplement to the Best Practise Guidelines on Birds in Demonstrations By EAZA Parrot TAG, March 2019, 1st Edition Simon Bruslund, Sandra Molloy and Barbara Heidenreich Introduction: Our understanding of behaviour and training technology and its effect on parrots is currently “evolving”. There are obvious benefits in displaying birds which actively engage the visitors in natural avian behaviour. Training technology is also gaining in areas beyond the classical conservation education demonstrations. This includes training for cooperation in medical care, husbandry management, research and even breeding settings. Ethical implications and management pitfalls are easily overlooked or even not fully investigated, in particularly considering the longevity potential of some Parrots. The ‘Guidelines on the use of animals in public demonstrations’ (September 2014) provides guidance on the use of exotic animals in public demonstrations at EAZA member institutions. The EAZA Parrot TAG supports the use and implementation of the ‘Guidelines on the use of animals in demonstrations’ document and EAZA Best Practise Guidelines for Birds in Demonstrations and recommend as the model in the absence of taxa specific guidelines. To best support our members on best practice guidance, the EAZA Parrot TAG has in addition to these Guidelines produced this ‘Ethical considerations on Parrots in presentations and current recommendations by the EAZA Parrot Taxon Advisory Group Supplement to the Best Practise Guidelines on Birds in Demonstrations’ document to provide species‐ specific guidance for institutions performing public demonstrations with Parrots. This document should be considered in combination with the EAZA Best Practise Guidelines for Birds in Demonstrations (Habben&Parry Jones, 2016) and is a synopsis of current considerations where there might be ethical implications and will be a living document to be revised at regular intervals. Approved by the EEP Committee as taxa specific addition to Husbandry and Management Guidelines for demonstration Birds (2016), Amsterdam, March 2019
1. Acquisition and sources of birds:
Description Ethical implications Current facts Parrot TAG recommendation
Evaluate on a case by case
situation. In the case of accepting
There are positive examples a ex pet parrots there should
Frequently ex pet parrots are
of ex pet parrots which always be a contingency plan in
1.1. Ex pets: Birds showing a not socialized successfully
have been successfully case of social stress for extended
high level of comfort with with conspecifics. Many
reintegrated. Some EEP’s periods Before accepting an ex-
people (i,e “tame”) which are individuals end up living a
recommend accepting pet parrot, zoos should evaluate
rescued or directly acquired socially deprived life because
individuals for recruitment. if they can ensure good welfare
from pet owners with personal zoo’s generally cannot
Much depends on the standards over the life span of
relationships with the birds. provide adequate social
individual history of the the parrot. It should not be
interaction required.
bird assumed if there is an EEP for this
species, that the coordinator can
readily rehome the bird.
In some European countries
The EAZA standard must adhere
it is not allowed to hand-
to legislations. If hand-rearing is
rear except in emergencies
Concern is misuse for done EAZA institutions should
1.2. Hand-reared purposely for due to Animal Welfare
commercial purpose. There is always ensure adequate
a show: Removing clutches Legislation ( the
also the concern that the socialization is provided from just
specifically to rear and imprint Netherlands). See also:
birds end up maladjusted before fledging age. EEP species
for presentations. EAZA Standards for the
socially. should only be hand-reared in
Accommodation and Care
communication with the
of Animals in Zoos and
coordinator.
Aquaria – 1.9 Hand-rearing
1.3. EEP species: The usage of
Pressure to display a bird
EEP species in demonstrations Each EEP should formulate
should not negatively affect
may have considerable a standpoint about EEP species used in presentations
the sustainability of the
implications on population including individuals in are NOT exempted from EEP
overall population. In
management and planning. presentations or not. participation regardless of
conservation relevant species
Claims about suitability of Decisions may be taken on ownership situation.
breeding purpose should
individuals are rarely an individual basis.
have priority.
scientifically founded.
A, Important research or
EEP species used in presentations
1.4. Research and record population resources might
Per definition not keeping are NOT exempted from reports
keeping: Often presentation be lost.
records or sharing data for to the EEP or record keeping
birds are not fully regarded as a B, Keeping a part of the
a part of the collection is in regardless of ownership
part of the collection, population without records
violation with EAZA situation. ZIMS entries should
sometimes they are owned by reduces the overall credibility
regulations. also apply for externally owned
external companies. of EAZA as a scientifically
birds held and displayed.
based organisation.
1.5. Virus management: It has
been estimated that a third of Thorough screening of all new
Birds in presentations might Birds in demonstrations can
Parrots in captivity in Europe arrivals and regular screens in
be exempted from screening be just as infectious to
are carrying virus infections combination with weight
or results ignored due to the other parrots as in regular
which could affect the overall monitoring. Contingency plan for
investment of training. exhibits.
population. The Parrot TAG aim isolation if needed.
to reduce this number.
A, Colour variations are often
The welfare issues in
produced at near industrial
deliberate breeding of Even if the bird kept is a
level with methods
apparent forms is well unintentional hybrid or mutation
frequently including
documented and EAZA has this is difficult to communicate
1.6. Hybrids and Mutations: deliberate inbreeding and
a position statement on and should be avoided. The EAZA
Sometimes such birds not hybridization with little
this subject which is not Parrot TAG RCP recommend a
suitable for breeding attention to welfare. Surplus
limited to white tigers. DNO/Phase out for all mutations
programmes are purposely birds not fulfilling the target
EAZA statement on and hybrids. Mutations and
used in presentations. are discarded.
Intentional Breeding for the hybrids should be labelled as
B, Zoos have a role model
Expression of Rare such in ZIMS records in the
function and should not
Recessive Alleles (May taxonomy field
promote intended hybrids
2013)
and mutations breeding.2. Social Management:
Description Ethical implications Current facts Parrot TAG recommendation
Strongly human imprinted
birds may experience poor
welfare if unable to receive
social interactions from
preferred humans. Attempts Preferred and sustainable option
to socialize such birds with In Cockatoos and Amazons is to raise birds to avoid human
2.1. Human Imprinting: When
conspecifics is frequently imprinted birds frequently imprinting. Socialize birds with
strongly imprinted on humans
develop very aggressive humans while young to facilitate
the bird can learn to prefer to difficult. Strongly human
behaviour. There is a clear creating good candidates and
only voluntarily interact with imprinted birds may do well link between social stress welfare for educational
humans perceived as mates or in educational presentations and feather destructive programming use. Allow birds to
part of a family group. This
until sexual maturity. At this behaviour (FDB) in various live in a healthy social
intensifies as the bird matures.
stage, undesired behaviours species. Specific training to environment and working with
Training is required to address
such as aggression and manage undesired them using training technology
this challenge which can be
behaviours demand based in positive reinforcement.
labour intensive and not always excessive vocalizations can
extensive knowledge and For human imprinted birds there
successful. emerge and be challenging to
good team cooperation. should always be a contingency
address. This may cause adult plan ready.
birds to be removed from
presentations and receive
limited desired social
interactions.
This subject is poorly
It is hardly possible for a researched and
It is advisable to review and
human partner to fulfil the understood. The parrot
prevent sexually oriented
needs of the parrot and it is shows a mate like
relationships. This can be done via
2.2. Sexually oriented likely to be subject of relationship with a human.
proper raising and socialization. It
relationship: between trainer misconceptions of the public. Natural behaviours seen
is also important to continue to
and bird: Mostly not intended. It also sets the bird up to between parrots are
monitor bird behaviour and adjust
Trainers often develop likely present many associated with this type of
training strategies as needed to
relationships with their birds undesired behaviours that relationship are presented
avoid reinforcing pair like bonds
which is likely perceived either need to be addressed with a human counterpart,
and instead encourage the
explicitly sexual from the side or may cause the bird to such as regurgitating food,
presentation of desired
of the bird. unusable as a program allopreening, contact
behaviours not associated with
animal and/or potentially in a calling, etc. Parrots will also
reproduction when interacting
reproductive program. See drive away (attack, bite)
with humans. See 2.1.
also 2.1. those not perceived as the
mate.
Keeping parrots isolated for the
2.3. Keeping individuals Keeping social species There are European
purpose of any kind of
isolated: Keeping social species isolated or only in company legislation against keeping
demonstrations is not
in isolation for extended of species which are socially Parrots isolated
recommended and not advisable
periods due to individual incompatible can lead to (Switzerland). There are
as other methods are clearly more
management or more effective avoidable stress and also links between isolation
functional. Attention to species
space usage. frustration. and FDB issues.
specific social needs is important.
Preferred option is using birds
Some EAZA Zoos have
Splitting bonded pairs for the living in a healthy social
2.4. Bonded pairs: Not all demonstrated that it is
purpose of presentation may environment, either pairs or
Parrots are strictly possible to keep parrots in
lead to poor welfare. groups depending on species
monogamous but most bond a healthy social
Preventing breeding may also needs. Alternatively use
with a specific partners for a environment including
cause frustration and may immatures until reaching sexually
certain time as a natural part of active breeding while
have implications leading to maturity. It is essential to manage
social behaviour. performing in
undesired behaviour. environmental stimuli and
presentations.
breeding triggers.
2.5. Life stages: Keeping the If kept socialized, there are For EEP species, regulations need
Parrots in presentations for good examples of birds to be specified or decisions made
Issues include conflicting
certain parts of their life e.g. from flight demonstrations on a case by case basis involving
interests in regards to
before sexual maturity or even which later in life become the coordinator. It is advisable to
priorities for breeding or
before being allowed to breed breeders. Unfortunately no establish life planning for
show.
or alternatively after records available of this individuals. Reports on member
retirement as breeder. being practiced routinely. experience is wanted.3. Training Methods and Equipment:
Description Ethical implications Current facts Parrot TAG recommendation
Parrots respond to a variety of
3.1. Weight management: When the focus is on the
potential food and non-food
Weight management involves number on the scale as Most Parrots have a lower
reinforcers for training.
determining a weight range in opposed to the behaviour of metabolism and have a
Motivation for food can be
which a bird may be more likely the bird to measure wasteful slower
increased by using preferred food
to respond to food as a performance this can result in consumption rate than
items for training, using small
reinforcer for training or poor welfare. Weight Birds of Prey. They have
pieces of food when training,
maintaining behaviours. Once a managed birds have high need for fibres and
timing training for times when the
weight range that corresponds exhibited the following hence ad. lib. access to
animal is most receptive, using
to acceptable behavioural problems: certain food items. They
unpredictability for maintaining
responses to food is Frantic or anxious behaviour will present greater flights
known behaviours (avoid
established, a diet is prepared when anticipating food, when diets and access to
patterned routines in shows, avoid
to maintain the bird in that Water gorging/ Ingestion of food is not compromised.
always offering the same
weight range. This is not to be non-food items/Food related They respond to a wide
reinforcer, using different
confused with weighing birds to stereotypies, Stunted growth, range of potential
schedules of reinforcement, etc.)
monitor health or keeping birds Persistent juvenile behaviour, reinforcers.
It is not necessary to use weight
at a healthy weight. Malnutrition
management to train parrots.
Non-food reinforcers often
include enrichment items
(toys) social interactions such Positive reinforcement training is
as scratching a parrot’s head, a force free approach to voluntary
Anything the animal seeks
and engaging in desired participation in everything from
to acquire, engage in, do,
activities with the bird such medical care to educational
etc. and can be delivered at
as “play.” These types of presentations. Behaviour is
3.2 and 3.3 Non Food the moment the animal
reinforcers can be effective increased or maintained by the
Reinforcers: presents desired behaviour
for certain individuals addition of a desired
Utilizing desired items and or has the potential to
depending on their history. consequence. Without reinforcers
experiences to reinforce reinforce that behaviour.
Some may require a stronger (food or non -food) it would be
desired behaviour that do not Non-food reinforcers are an
social bond with the bird. impossible to maintain desired
involve food. invaluable tool in animal
Some may not send an behaviours. it is advisable to do a
training. They provide more
appropriate message to an reinforcer assessment to
variety in reinforcer options
audience in regard to human determine all the potential
and at times can be more
parrot relationships. Some reinforcers available for each bird
powerful than food as a
can trigger undesired to be trained.
reinforcer.
responses such as sexual
behaviour or high levels of
arousal that can cascade into
aggressive behaviour.
The Parrot TAG do not
Veterinary records report
recommend clipping or use of
severe injuries in Parrots
harness. Rather invest time in
due to unexperienced
Wing clipping or harness use reliable re-call training with a
usage of harness. Wing
3.4. Flight impairment: may lead to permanent thorough individually based
clipping can also trigger
Preventing escape during initial impairment of flight skills, assessment process. This can be
FDB. Clipping before or
training. injury and a false sense of practiced and generalized in safe
during fledging can lead to
security for the trainer. enclosed areas. Free flight should
permanent impairment of
not be attempted without the
flight skills for some
guidance of experienced
species/individuals.
professionals.
Zoo based research for
equipment to monitor wild
parrots do suggest
increased injuries and
equipment loss. Affordable
3.5. Radio Telemetry and GPS Trackers which can withstand
devices that work well for Caution is advised using trackers
Tracking Devices: Using a Parrot beak are quite heavy
parrots are not readily in Parrots. Reports on experiences
tracking devices to detect birds and not suited to be carried
available at this time. with suitable systems are wanted.
which are missing. permanently
However in general, due to
their social nature, parrots
are often easy to locate
compared to other bird
presentation species.4. Environmental conditions:
Description Ethical implications Current facts Parrot TAG recommendation
It is observed that parrots are
placed in enclosures designed Species specific requirements
4.1. Climate in holding areas: It is very difficult to
for winter hard species with must be fulfilled and data are
The climatic conditions in the establish climate
insufficient heating. Chronic available in literature, published
holding areas should fulfil requirements across such a
cold is an avoidable stress BPG and with EEP coordinators
species specific requirements. diverse group.
factor. Many parrot species and TAG chairs.
are prone to painful frostbite.
Parrots need a minimum of
12 hours daylight to retain
a natural activity pattern. It is recommended to offer
If birds are not kept under The long-term effect of very Parrots artificial lighting to the
4.2. Lighting: Quality and
adequate lighting conditions long days in northern extend of 12 hours daily at 5000-
length of lighting in holding
it quickly become a poor hemispheres are 6600 k. If there is no regular
quarters
welfare situation. unclarified. Artificial access to sunlight additional
lighting must be flicker free access to UV light is needed.
and wide spectrum
including UV light.
4.3. Space requirements in
A few countries have issued Species specific requirements
holding areas: The space Due to a few minutes of daily
minimum space must be fulfilled and data are
provided for holding need to be free flight, it is often
requirements (CH). available in literature, published
as adequate as if the birds accepted to provide less than
Insufficient movement can BPG and with EEP coordinators
would spend all their time in adequate space for the birds.
lead to “depressions” and TAG chairs.
them.
Most Parrots are tropical and
adapted to stable temperatures.
Exposure to temperatures below
zero and above 35 degrees
should be limited or avoided.
Mountainous or desert species
Poor weather conditions may
may have a larger range
lead to poor welfare. This can
tolerance than tropical forest
include hypothermia or heat-
species. It is recommended
stress. Flying on days with
facilities create a show
4.4. Flight conditions and high winds can increase There is no known research
cancelation policy or modified
weather: Weather conditions difficulty for birds to perform or reference to this subject.
show plan in the event of
are not always suitable for free trained behaviours. Feed-back on practical
inclement weather. This should
flight. Impending bad weather can experience is wanted
include parameters for heat,
also impact welfare if a bird
cold, rain, snow and wind.
has not yet returned prior to
Approaching weather for the
inclement weather arriving in
hours, night and day after the
the area.
presentation should also be
monitored and considered when
making decisions. It is also
important to consider the flight
skills and training history of the
birds to be flown.
The daily enrichment can be a
Food based enrichment in
great environmental reward if
wrong timing could reduce
introduced after the daily
interest in treats also
performance. Teams can develop
anything that encourage
There is the concern that if a list of enrichment items and
4.5. Enrichment: Some Parrots reproductive behaviours
given too much enrichment experiences that does not
in flight demonstrations receive such as mirrors, nest like
the birds might be less impede performance. They can
less enrichment than birds in cavities and sometimes
motivated to perform. Our also schedule enrichment that
regular exhibits because of free shredding paper can cause
entertainment cannot be may influence flight (such as
flight. problems. Bathing also
cause for less quality of life. bathing) for more appropriate
obviously impairs flight so
times of the day. Enrichment can
generally should limited to
and should be provided via
when the bird has time to
thoughtful selection and
dry.
scheduling.5. Stationed Birds:
Description Ethical implications Current facts Parrot TAG recommendation
Anecdotal evidence suggest
that lack of flight in Parrots
Possible exposure to
5.1. Clipping or pinioning: Birds can lead to increased Although it is becoming more
predators when kept outside.
are displayed on perches health issues e.g. rare this practice still exist in
Lack of exercise and freedom
without an aviary. In the past aspergillus. EAZA zoos. The Parrot TAG does
of choice.
frequently exposed to sun and Legislation in European not endorse this form of
Restricted from avoiding
fixated with a chain countries prevent legal exhibiting Parrots
social conflicts.
clipping and pinioning
(Germany)
Parrots that are clipped
prior to or during fledging
or that are kept in an
enclosure too small to
practice flight typically do
Some Zoos target such birds for
not regain flight skills. This
exhibit purpose. This is also not
is especially true of heavy
endorsed by the Parrot TAG.
bodied birds (such as
They are at a disadvantage when
5.2. Flighted bird that do not It is very difficult to macaws and amazons) less
housed with skilled flyers. They
fly: Some individuals do not fly communicate to the public so of birds such as
also often fly when startled in a
for different natural causes, why a healthy Parrot is not cockatiels, budgerigars and
panic without control and end
behavioural or health related. able to fly. small cockatoos. This has to
up high in trees or exhausted on
do with critical periods of
the ground. Both of these
development and not
situations are potentially
practicing those skills
dangerous for the bird.
during that time of
development. These birds
typically only fly when
startled and have no skills
to fly back.
There is very little free choice The number of birds
5.3. Birds for photo
involved and the parrots are involved in this in EAZA The Parrot TAG do not endorse
opportunities: A number of
often kept for extended zoos is unknown. keeping stationed parrots for any
zoos keep parrots for photo
periods on standby with Experience reports are purpose.
opportunities with visitors.
stressful peak hours. wanted6. Messages:
Description Ethical implications Stand of knowledge Parrot TAG recommendation
6.1. Conservation and Psittaciformes order are in Educative presentations using
environment: When parrots Some presentations, show trouble: 28% of surviving threatened or conservation
are used in demonstrations it is parrots detached from parrot species are classified relevant EEP species should use
an optimal opportunity to nature. This is a missed as globally threatened and the opportunity to raise funding
convey conservation messages. opportunity to create an Alarming 56% of all and create awareness for species
Parrots are among the most awareness and appreciation. Parrot species are in conservation or about relevant
threatened bird groups. decline environmental issues
The public have mixed
Apart from unnatural perceptions about Presentations with parrots in
6.2. Unnatural behaviour: Like motions which might cause anthropomorphic displays flight demonstrations, outreach
parrots trained to riding a discomfort, the message is with animals but when or aviaries should always aim to
bicycle or wear clothes. degrading for the public explained a overwhelming show only natural behaviours or
perception of wild parrots percentage is strictly abilities.
against it.
Parrots are long-lived and
6.3. Parrots as pets:
extremely loud birds which Presentations should use every
Presentations with attractive Spontaneous decisions to
need specialist care. This is opportunity to create awareness
and clever parrots easily ignite acquire a parrot as a pet
often underestimated by about the preparations and
the desire with members of the often lead to poor welfare
new pet owners. Rescue commitments needed as a parrot
audience to keep a parrot as a situations.
centres are overfilled with owner.
pet.
unwanted pet parrots.
Zoos should take every step to
prevent any negative on native
wildlife or plants. Particular
caution is needed when free
Legislation in EU is very
flying with groups with
clear in regards to
6.4. Introduced species: reproductive potential.
introducing non-native
Species with potential for In all of Europe Psittacula
There is a risk of contributing species to the natural
establishing in the wild. Certain krameria, P. eupatria and
to establishment of non- environment.
species have a potential for Myiopsitta monachus should not
native populations with See also: European Code of
establishing in different areas be used in free flight
potential invasive properties. Conduct on Zoological
in Europe depending on species presentations. In the
Gardens and Aquaria and
and climate. Mediterranean region there are
Invasive Alien Species
further restrictions in particularly
(October 2012).
with South American Parakeets.
The presence of current feral
populations is not an acceptable
excuse for zoos.You can also read
