The first Spix's Macaw born at Pairi Daiza.
Egg 101 is a true miracle of life.
Extinct in the wild for decades, the Spix’s Macaw is experiencing a remarkable rebirth at Pairi Daiza. On September 21, the first chick of this parrot species, considered one of the rarest treasures of biodiversity, took its first breath at the Centre for the Conservation of Endangered Bird Species at Pairi Daiza. This ultramodern breeding facility closely monitors twelve Spix’s Macaws as part of an international breeding program.
A small miracle
Since Pairi Daiza welcomed Spix's macaws to its conservation centre, 100 eggs had been laid, but none had ever been fertilised. This 101st egg is therefore a true miracle of life, the result of years of effort and patience. This exceptional success could be linked to a recent change in the birds' diet.
Just before hatching, this little treasure was taken care of by the team of specialists in rare birds. Since the hatching, which took place smoothly on the morning of September 21st, they have been handfeeding it every two hours, taking shifts day and night to maximise its chances of survival. The egg was deliberately removed from the parents, as inexperienced macaw couples often struggle with raising their first chick. The newborn remains in a critical and delicate stage, and constant vigilance is essential to ensure its survival.
Thomas Biagi, rare bird keeper at Pairi Daiza, explains:
“Feeding the chick every two hours is exhausting, but also incredibly motivating, because we know we’re literally holding the future of one of the world’s most endangered species in our hands.”
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Declared extinct in the wild
The Spix's macaw is a parrot originating from north-eastern Brazil, made famous by the film ‘Rio’ and its character Blu. Officially classified as extinct in the wild by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) for over 25 years, only a small number of individuals remain today thanks to global conservation and breeding initiatives.
Since 2018, Pairi Daiza, through its Foundation, has been actively involved in efforts to save this critically endangered species. The recent birth is part of an international breeding program conducted in collaboration with ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, Brazil) and the São Paulo Zoo. The goal is to build a viable and genetically diverse population, with the long-term aim of supporting the species’ survival.
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A treasure hidden from public view
Except for three Spix’s Macaws that are not part of the breeding program and live in the Farmhouse aviary at Pairi Daiza, the remaining birds are kept behind the scenes, away from public view. These parrots are extremely sensitive and shy, and any unnecessary human contact could disrupt the delicate breeding process.
Currently, twelve rare birds are being cared for in the Pairi Daiza Conservation Centre. The newborn chick will not be reintroduced into the wild but will grow to become a vital breeder within the program, alongside other chicks the team hopes will be born in the future.
This birth marks a significant new chapter in Pairi Daiza’s long-standing commitment to the conservation and reintroduction of the Spix’s Macaw. After years of international collaboration, the Conservation Centre, located behind the scenes of the park, has now become a fully operational breeding hub, playing a key role in strengthening the still fragile global population of this rare and magnificent parrot.
Johan Vreys