Guatemala - June 17, 2025 Twenty-eight parrots rescued from the illegal wildlife trade have been released into the wild deep in the Guatemalan jungle. The birds were freed in Rio Azul National Park after a three-day journey by road and foot. The operation was led by Asociacion Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre (ARCAS), with support from Humane World for Animals Costa Rica. Most of the parrots had been rescued as chicks or juveniles over the past five years. They arrived at the ARCAS rescue center with clipped wings, malnourished, and weak. Six had fallen from trees during storms. Their release marks the end of a long recovery process that included rehabilitation and survival training. Species released include the white-fronted amazon, red-lored amazon, white-crowned parrot, and the endangered southern mealy amazon. All of these species face threats from habitat loss and poaching. Parrots are sold for hundreds of dollars and trafficked across Latin America, Europe, and the United States. Andrea Borel of Humane World for Animals Costa Rica said these birds survived against the odds, despite high mortality in the pet trade. She highlighted the economic hardship that drives locals to participate in trafficking. Fernando Martinez of ARCAS Peten said the birds arrived in terrible condition. He praised the rescue team for restoring their health and teaching them to survive. The parrots are now under a 15-day observation period to monitor their adjustment to life in the jungle.