This is the heartwarming moment parrots rescued from a wildlife trafficking ring were released into the wild in Guatemala.

Authorities said 28 birds were freed in Rio Azul National Park on June 18, following a three-day journey by road and on foot.

The release operation was led by the 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 centre with clipped wings, malnourished, and severely weakened. Six had fallen from trees during storms.

Their release marked the end of a lengthy recovery process that included both rehabilitation and survival training.

The species released included the white-fronted amazon, red-lored amazon, white-crowned parrot, and the endangered southern mealy amazon.

Parrots are trafficked across Latin America, Europe, and the United States, often sold for hundreds of dollars on the illegal pet trade market.

Andrea Borel of Humane World for Animals Costa Rica said the birds had survived against the odds, despite the high mortality rate in wildlife trafficking.

She added: 'The wildlife trade is intimately linked to social economic challenges in Guatemala because the traffickers persuade individuals from some rural communities to enter the jungle and remove chicks from their nests in return for money or food.'

Fernando Martinez of ARCAS Peten said the parrots had arrived in terrible condition.

He noted: 'It's been a long and stressful journey for these parrots since they were last among the forest trees, but it was thrilling to see them spread their wings in freedom once again.'

The creatures are now under a 15-day observation period to monitor their adaptation to life in the wild.