The Pet Parrot Industry Is Fueling a Global Crisis

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.

We’re joined by Dr. LoraKim Joyner (One Earth Conservation) — a wildlife veterinarian and longtime parrot conservation leader with decades of field experience, and Josh Anderson from the International Alliance for the Protection of Parrots (IAPP). Together, we connect the dots between poverty, demand, policy, and the story people don’t see behind “pet parrot” culture.

This is a tough conversation, but it’s one we need to have, because parrots can’t advocate for themselves.

What We Cover

•Why parrots are wild animals, not products — and why the “parrots are pets” narrative causes harm
•The captive parrot crisis: long lifespans, overwhelmed rescues, and nonstop breeding
•How the illegal trade devastates parrots (and why so many don’t survive trafficking)
•Why “none are free until all are free” really means free from harm, not “release pet birds”
•Real, practical actions anyone can take — starting today 

What You Can Do (the short list)

If you care about parrots, the most powerful choices are:
Never buy one. Never sell one. Never breed one.
Adopt, don’t shop. Volunteer. Support sanctuaries and conservation in countries of origin.

Join the movement

📅 Parrot Crisis Awareness Day: March 10 — share your story, spread the truth, and help shift the culture.

🌍 Learn more / get resources: allianceforparrots.org

Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird
Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird

Our Mission:
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.

🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com
📧 Contact: [e-mail]

#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy

If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙