From Extinction to Ahmedabad: The Controversial Journey of Spix's Macaw

The tale of the Spix's macaw, a striking blue parrot, is far from ordinary. Declared extinct in the wild as of 2019, this bird has become embroiled in a controversy that spans continents. The dilemma arises from the transfer of 26 Spix's macaws to a privately run zoo in India, controlled by the philanthropic arm of Asia's wealthiest family, the Ambanis.

Amid allegations of unauthorized transactions, the Vantara zoo, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finds itself under the international spotlight. Although recently cleared by Indian investigators, Brazil has voiced concerns over the transfer, citing a lack of proper consent. Europe's watchful eye continues, keeping close tabs on any ongoing and future transactions.

As the legal tangle unfolds, the Spix's macaw saga draws attention not only to wildlife conservation efforts but also to the intricate webs of global wildlife trade regulations. Surrounded by scrutiny, Vantara's actions and the fate of these birds illustrate a complex intersection of philanthropy, wildlife conservation, and international diplomacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)