The Pet Parrot Industry Is Fueling a Global Crisis

<p>Parrots are in crisis — in the wild AND in captivity. In this episode of Squawk Global, we pull back the curtain on the global parrot crisis: poaching, trafficking, commodification, and the massive (often ignored) captive parrot overflow problem.<br/><br/>We’re joined by <b>Dr. LoraKim Joyner</b> (<a href='https://www.oneearthconservation.org/'>One Earth Conservation</a>) — a wildlife veterinarian and longtime parrot conservation leader with decades of field experience, and <b>Josh Anderson</b> from the <a href='https://www.allianceforparrots.org/'>International Alliance for the Protection of Parrots</a> (IAPP). Together, we connect the dots between poverty, demand, policy, and the story people don’t see behind “pet parrot” culture.<br/><br/>This is a tough conversation, but it’s one we need to have, because parrots can’t advocate for themselves.<br/><br/><b>What We Cover</b><br/><br/>•Why parrots are wild animals, not products — and why the “parrots are pets” narrative causes harm <br/>•The captive parrot crisis: long lifespans, overwhelmed rescues, and nonstop breeding  <br/>•How the illegal trade devastates parrots (and why so many don’t survive trafficking) <br/>•Why “none are free until all are free” really means free from harm, not “release pet birds” <br/>•Real, practical actions anyone can take — starting today  <br/><br/><b>What You Can Do (the short list)</b><br/><br/>If you care about parrots, the most powerful choices are:<br/>Never buy one. Never sell one. Never breed one.<br/>Adopt, don’t shop. Volunteer. Support sanctuaries and conservation in countries of origin. <br/><br/>Join the movement<br/><br/>📅 Parrot Crisis Awareness Day: March 10 — share your story, spread the truth, and help shift the culture.<br/><br/>🌍 Learn more / get resources: <a href='https://www.allianceforparrots.org/'>allianceforparrots.org</a></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593035/support">Support the show</a></p><p>Our Mission:<br/>We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.<br/><br/>You can find the full length video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel</p><p>YouTube: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@SquawkGlobal'>@SquawkGlobal</a><br/><br/>Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird<br/>Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube:  @gizmothegreybird<br/><br/>🛒 Shop: <a href='https://squawkshop.com/'>https://squawkshop.com</a><br/>📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com<br/><br/>#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy<br/><br/>If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙</p>