December 2020 Newsletter

For me, it is our incredible resilience and ability to adapt. Just like you, we’re ready to turn the page on 2020, leaving an immensely challenging year behind us.

But storms make trees grow deeper roots and I am so proud of our team, who have done an outstanding job of adjusting and making the changes needed to still make an impact for Parrots. Whether that’s; working from home; taking on entirely new roles; accepting near overwhelming responsibilities; or finding strategies to stay connected to those who matter to us.

~ And as if our year couldn’t get worse, the Great Green Macaw was recently re-classified as critically endangered, to just 500 – 1000 individuals left in the entire world, only a third of what the population in 2005. So acting now is more important than ever before! ~

What you can do today, is take control of the future of our planet. By making a gift to MRN’s core programs you will give hope, not only to save the stunning Macaws but to the people and habitat they share this planet with.

And all GIFTS MADE NOW, WILL BE DOUBLED up to our goal of $65,000!

Together, we can ensure 2021 makes up for 2020; Will you consider making a gift that is significant to you?

Join us through a 2020 Memory collage, in this Special Edtion Newsletter.

Thank you always,

COVID-19 HAS TAKEN A GREAT TOLL on our and many other conservation programs. This year, incomes have decreased considerably and we had to close all eco-tourism during most of 2020. The loss of volunteers forced our teams to come together, take on entirely new roles, and work around the clock to ensure our operations could continue.

Despite the recent re-opening of tours at the Wild Macaw Reserve, incomes from ecotourism dropped due to travel restrictions. Receiving only 42% of the expected funding for 2020. On the other hand, partner zoos have experienced a similar situation and it has resulted in 35% less funding from our partners than the expected $75,000.

~TOGETHER WE WILL THRIVE! ~ One of the ways we have coped as a team is by staying connected through our weekly virtual “Happy Hours”.

During a recent “Happy Hour” we recorded the following message for you:

2020 DID HAVE THINGS TO CELEBRATE! MRN was one of the first organizations in Costa Rica to receive permits for hands-on conservation on wild Great Green Macaws. And so, our field team took on the challenge of; climbing nests up to 130 feet tall, to monitor breeding activity; protect Macaws from threats; provide periodic health checks to the chicks; and prevent predation.

Summarizing an intense season, the Great Green Macaw field team monitored 40 nests, 29 of which were active, from which 50 healthy chicks fledged into the wild! Three very unfortunate chicks had to be rescued after finding them on the ground close to their nest trees, after unsuccessfully fledging, failing to reach a nearby tree to land into. We also placed several camera traps in key locations to be able to more closely monitor activity inside or around the nests, giving us great insights into these birds’ behavior and the threats they face.

These cameras have taken beautiful clips like the one below or this other one of a young Great Green  Macaw flying out of its nest tree.

“Sharing your hopes with trusted others means you’re supported, not only to dream of exciting things but also to make these things happen”

AS WE TURN THE PAGE ON 2020, another breeding season is about to kick off in the midst of uncertain times. More than ever, our commitment is unwavering and we’re excited for another chance of making a change and giving hope to Macaws!

We’re looking forward to starting the breeding season working closely with local communities as we launch our Female Ranger program. In a pilot study, we will temporarily contract 10 local women who lost their jobs during the COVID crisis, strengthening our Great Green Macaw field team by monitoring active nests.