Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
They also ensure only properly uniformed keepers interact with the birds. Since they
have been raised in captivity, it would be too easy for them to become tame — a dangerous
thing for such valuable animals. “We don't want them to think that just any human is going
to be good to them,” Boris says. “If anybody else walks in there, they create havoc.”
It seems like a great deal of effort, but Boris is committed to the work. Several birds
have already been released in the Manuel Antonio region. “These animals are truly gran-
diose,” says Boris. He recognizes the challenges ahead too. “It's not easy and it's a very
expensive process,” he says. The plan is to release about seventy to eighty scarlet macaws
in total, at which point the project will switch to another type of bird. “We're going to con-
tinue reintroducing bird species that were endemic to this zone and have disappeared.”
Boris'enthusiasmiscontagiousashetalksaboutthemajesticbirdsinhiscare.“Maybe
someday, you will see a scarlet macaw flying in the sky,” he says with a grin. “and I'll have
a great big smile on my face!”
It'sthiskindofspirit forpreserving nature that flowsthroughtownlike aClass 5white
water rapid.
Scarlet Macaw Facts:
·
The scarlet macaw is known to live up to 80 years in captivity and approximately 40-50
years in the wild.
·
According to scientists, scarlet macaws have the intelligence of a 4-8 year old child and
the emotional intelligence of a 2 year old. Like their “Terrible Twos” human coun-
terparts, they can be demanding and grouchy and even throw temper tantrums if not
given proper attention!
·
Scarlet macaws have brilliantly colored red, green, yellow and blue. This helps them to
blend into their natural habitat in the rainforest.
·
They weighing about 2.2 pounds (1 kilo).
·
They have a wingspan of over 3 feet (1 meter).
·
They are the largest parrots in the world.
·
The scarlet macaw generally mates for life. The female usually lays 1 to 4 eggs and
both male and females share parenting duties.
