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Two macaws in Wuppertal Zoo
Photo: Ann-Marie Utz / dpa
The macaw is the »Zoo Animal of the Year 2023«.
More than half of the 19 macaw species are threatened or endangered, and three species no longer exist at all, according to the Zoological Society for Species and Population Protection (ZGAP) in the Wuppertal Zoo.
The "Zoo Animal of the Year" campaign primarily aims to support endangered animal species that are not yet in the public eye.
The habitats of the macaws in Bolivia and Ecuador are being destroyed by agriculture because they need certain trees for breeding and certain food, warned Viktoria Michel, coordinator of Zoo Animal of the Year in Wuppertal.
In addition to natural predators, poaching is also an increasing problem - the macaw is a popular pet around the world.
In addition, macaws have a very low reproductive rate, with only about two eggs every two years.
Wuppertal Zoo director Arne Lawrenz said the goal now is to release 50 to 100 macaws a year in Brazil in the future.
North Rhine-Westphalia's Environment Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens) was also at the Wuppertal Zoo and emphasized the great importance of preserving endangered animal species.
The zoo animal of the year has been chosen as part of the species protection campaign since 2016.
Last year, the pustule pig won the race, before it was the crocodile or the Beo, which is related to the macaw.
jso/dpa
