- Tomás, now recovered from his wounds, takes care of his people and parrots.
In 2010, a leader of indigenous people, Tomás, nearly died for his dedication to the land and animals of La Moskitia, Honduras. Tired of the ongoing loss his people experienced, he reported the names of the robbers who had come to his land for illegal logging, ranching, and parrot poaching. The authorities stood idle, but not the nefarious elements that had been threatening his people. They waited for him one day down at the river and shot him 4 times. While he was fighting for his life, the villagers fled for their lives, for some had their homes burned and others received death threats. Just 5 months later, Tomás, returned to his ancestral lands with me and others to see about helping the Miskito people with their desire to protect their endangered scarlet macaw. Armed soldiers had to accompany us to the nearly deserted village, for the danger was still present for Tomás and for us as well.
- Tomas showing me the scars of his 4 bullet wounds down at the river
Down at the river with parrots flying over, Tomás showed me his scars and recovering wounds. I asked him why he was willing to risk his life to return to help his parrots and he said, “Doctora, everything is at risk, and I’m willing to risk everything. If the birds don’t make it, neither do my people.” Ever since that day, he and his people have been taking a stand, taking risks to keep their sustainable way of life intact and these rainbow birds flying free.
- Parrot Patrols to protect macaws
They now have “parrot patrols” to protect the nests, and take in confiscated parrots from the military and forestry department. They have volunteered this since 2010 with very little help in terms of resources or training. They have had to decide when to feed the birds, and when to feed themselves. Yet they continue to care for the birds, isolated to face the challenges on their own.
- Oneida caring for liberated flock (May 2014)
No longer!
- Joyful signing of the Act to commission the Rescue and Liberation Center of Mabita, Honduras (Wesley, Santiago, Oneida, Hector, and me)
This year in May of 2015 I signed an Act to form the Rescue and Liberation center of Mabita with Oneida and Santiago. We did this because the situation is desperate and the government and villagers must have a place to take care of confiscated birds so that they can be liberated in the future. They agreed to take care of all birds that came to them, and One Earth Conservation would in turn pay them a salary and cover all costs for food and supplies. We also need to build a release cage. One Earth did this even though it was not in our budget to do so, and we do not have any guarantee that income will be forth coming. But we could wait no longer – it had to be done. And in fact, 9 chicks have come to the village in the last month for them to care for. I know they can do it, because they have never lost a fledgling. They even saved Rosa, who came to them as a chick with two broken wings and legs, likely damaged when forcibly removed from the nest. She nearly died, but is alive today, wobbly for sure but able to take short flights. She has a chance to live longer and well thanks to Oneida and Santiago.
- Villagers coming together to care for recent influx of rescued parrots from poachers (Mabita, Honduras)
Won’t you please help them help the parrots? Our goal is seek donations for one year until we can build a sustainable model to support the center. For this to happen we only need $3000 for salary and food, and then another $1500 to build a release cage. Every $100 will pay for food for one month, or for one month’s salary to compensate Santiago and Oneida. Please contribute today so we can reach our goal, and begin plans to spread the influence of this rescue center throughout the region. We do this so that in the only remaining place in Honduras where the National Bird survives, La Moskitia, the people and parrots can flourish. With your support and solidarity, we help the Miskitos save themselves, and save the parrots.
- Joyful liberated scarlet macaws (Mabita, Honduras)
To find out more about the project and to watch a short documentary, go here.
To donate, please go here to contribute to our crowdfunding campaign.
To donate, please go here to contribute to our crowdfunding campaign.
Thanks for belonging to this community of solidarity, courage, and hope, so that the days of these people and parrots may be long upon this earth.
LoraKim
- The rescue and liberation center is taking off!
