White Cockatoo in Costa Rica
Scientific name: Cacatua alba.
Distribution Area: Cosmopolitan, but this bird is native to the jungles and mangroves of Indonesia, although it is common to find it living as a pet in different countries.
A beautiful and curious bir
The White Cockatoo is undoubtedly beautiful and highly appreciated in Costa Rica, as well as other countries, for its unique charm and striking features. However, it is important to understand that, under the law of wildlife conservation, it is forbidden to have these birds as pets in our homes. This restriction is not due to the fact that they are not charming or fun, but because they are creatures that require highly specialized care. Their welfare and safety can only be guaranteed in places that have technically trained teams for their proper management.
This prohibition is based on ethical and animal welfare considerations. White cockatoos are not native to Costa Rica but come from other countries and keeping them in environments that are not their own could pose difficulties for their survival and adaptation.
In addition, the free trade of these birds could lead to abandonment and inadequate living conditions. It is crucial to remember that conservation laws and respect for wildlife are designed to protect these birds and preserve their well-being in their natural habitat.
Therefore, while admiring the beauty and appeal of the White Cockatoo, we must also recognize the importance of their place in nature and the need to respect their integrity as living beings in a suitable environment for them.
Luckily, at the NATUWA Macaw Sanctuary, we also work on the rehabilitation process of animals that have been kept as pets for years.
We are delighted to receive birds like White Cockatoos who need support to overcome their feelings of stress and depression. Unfortunately, these animals are often seen in captivity without feathers and with self-inflicted wounds. Therefore, we give you some reasons not to keep them as pets:
1. Longevity and Commitment: White cockatoos can live over 70 years in captivity. Buying a cockatoo entails a long-term commitment, similar to adopting a child. Many people underestimate the duration of this commitment, which can lead to situations where birds are abandoned.
2. Social and Emotional Needs: These birds are extremely social and need constant interaction. If they are kept in solitude, they can develop behavioral problems, such as self-mutilation. Providing them with adequate attention and stimulation can be challenging for someone without experience in exotic birds.
3. Noisy and Destructive: White cockatoos are known to be noisy, especially during breeding season. They also have a natural instinct to peck and chew on objects, which can lead to destruction of furniture and objects in the home. This can be frustrating for owners and harmful to the bird itself.
4. Require Space and Suitable Environment: White cockatoos are large birds that need space to move and fly. Keeping them in small cages or confined spaces can be detrimental to their physical and mental well-being. Providing them with a suitable environment may require significant modifications to the home.
5. Demand Specific Knowledge: Breeding and properly caring for white cockatoos requires specialized knowledge of exotic birds. These birds have specific dietary needs, environmental enrichment requirements, and specialized medical attention. Without this knowledge, birds may suffer from health and behavioral problems.
These points highlight the importance of the preparation and commitment required to properly care for white cockatoos and how the lack of these elements can negatively affect both the birds and their potential owners.
Here are seven interesting facts about the White Cockatoo.
1. The White Cockatoo can raise the feathers on top of its head like an umbrella.
2. White Cockatoos lift their “umbrella” to show how they feel, for example, if they are happy, curious, or surprised.
3. This bird is gentle, non-aggressive, and has no problem living in groups with other birds (1).
4. The Umbrella Cockatoo is believed to be one of the most intelligent birds in the animal kingdom due to its ability to talk and learn quickly.
5. Although White Cockatoos mate for life, only the female takes care of the chicks while the male searches for food.
6. This bird is very calm and loyal, which is why many people seek it out as a pet.
7. The White Cockatoo is classified as endangered due to the illegal trade of wild species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (2).
Message
At the Lapas NATUWA Sanctuary, we appreciate the good intentions of animal lovers who take care of happy animals like White Cockatoos, but we also encourage people to understand that wild animals should receive a different treatment than domestic animals, since their needs are not the same, and we will always be open to teach anyone who wants to learn about wildlife conservation.
Photos of the White Cockatoo.
References:
1 Hablemos de Aves. (2019). Cacatua alba: todo lo que debes saber de esta especie. Recuperado de: https://hablemosdeaves.com/cacatua-alba/#Conservacion_de_la_Cacatua_Alba
2 International Union for Conservation of Nature. (2013). Table 7: Species changing IUCN Red List Status (2012-2013). [ Archivo pdf]. Recuperado de: https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/content/attachment_files/2013_2_RL_Stats_Table7_edited.pdf
3 Tinajero, R. (Sin fecha). Manejo de psitácidos en cautiverio. [Archivo pdf]. Recuperado de: http://congreso.fmvz.unam.mx/pdf/memorias/Ciencias%20Veterinarias/INSTALACIONES%20PARA%20PSITACIDOS%20EN%20CAUTIVERIO%20RESUMEN%202015.pdf.
White Cockatoo in Costa Rica
Scientific name: Cacatua alba.
Distribution Area: Cosmopolitan, but this bird is native to the jungles and mangroves of Indonesia, although it is common to find it living as a pet in different countries.
A beautiful and curious bir
The White Cockatoo is undoubtedly beautiful and highly appreciated in Costa Rica, as well as other countries, for its unique charm and striking features. However, it is important to understand that, under the law of wildlife conservation, it is forbidden to have these birds as pets in our homes. This restriction is not due to the fact that they are not charming or fun, but because they are creatures that require highly specialized care. Their welfare and safety can only be guaranteed in places that have technically trained teams for their proper management.
This prohibition is based on ethical and animal welfare considerations. White cockatoos are not native to Costa Rica but come from other countries and keeping them in environments that are not their own could pose difficulties for their survival and adaptation.
In addition, the free trade of these birds could lead to abandonment and inadequate living conditions. It is crucial to remember that conservation laws and respect for wildlife are designed to protect these birds and preserve their well-being in their natural habitat.
Therefore, while admiring the beauty and appeal of the White Cockatoo, we must also recognize the importance of their place in nature and the need to respect their integrity as living beings in a suitable environment for them.
Luckily, at the NATUWA Macaw Sanctuary, we also work on the rehabilitation process of animals that have been kept as pets for years.
We are delighted to receive birds like White Cockatoos who need support to overcome their feelings of stress and depression. Unfortunately, these animals are often seen in captivity without feathers and with self-inflicted wounds. Therefore, we give you some reasons not to keep them as pets:
1. Longevity and Commitment: White cockatoos can live over 70 years in captivity. Buying a cockatoo entails a long-term commitment, similar to adopting a child. Many people underestimate the duration of this commitment, which can lead to situations where birds are abandoned.
2. Social and Emotional Needs: These birds are extremely social and need constant interaction. If they are kept in solitude, they can develop behavioral problems, such as self-mutilation. Providing them with adequate attention and stimulation can be challenging for someone without experience in exotic birds.
3. Noisy and Destructive: White cockatoos are known to be noisy, especially during breeding season. They also have a natural instinct to peck and chew on objects, which can lead to destruction of furniture and objects in the home. This can be frustrating for owners and harmful to the bird itself.
4. Require Space and Suitable Environment: White cockatoos are large birds that need space to move and fly. Keeping them in small cages or confined spaces can be detrimental to their physical and mental well-being. Providing them with a suitable environment may require significant modifications to the home.
5. Demand Specific Knowledge: Breeding and properly caring for white cockatoos requires specialized knowledge of exotic birds. These birds have specific dietary needs, environmental enrichment requirements, and specialized medical attention. Without this knowledge, birds may suffer from health and behavioral problems.
These points highlight the importance of the preparation and commitment required to properly care for white cockatoos and how the lack of these elements can negatively affect both the birds and their potential owners.
Here are seven interesting facts about the White Cockatoo.
1. The White Cockatoo can raise the feathers on top of its head like an umbrella.
2. White Cockatoos lift their “umbrella” to show how they feel, for example, if they are happy, curious, or surprised.
3. This bird is gentle, non-aggressive, and has no problem living in groups with other birds (1).
4. The Umbrella Cockatoo is believed to be one of the most intelligent birds in the animal kingdom due to its ability to talk and learn quickly.
5. Although White Cockatoos mate for life, only the female takes care of the chicks while the male searches for food.
6. This bird is very calm and loyal, which is why many people seek it out as a pet.
7. The White Cockatoo is classified as endangered due to the illegal trade of wild species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (2).
Message
At the Lapas NATUWA Sanctuary, we appreciate the good intentions of animal lovers who take care of happy animals like White Cockatoos, but we also encourage people to understand that wild animals should receive a different treatment than domestic animals, since their needs are not the same, and we will always be open to teach anyone who wants to learn about wildlife conservation.
Photos of the White Cockatoo.
References:
1 Hablemos de Aves. (2019). Cacatua alba: todo lo que debes saber de esta especie. Recuperado de: https://hablemosdeaves.com/cacatua-alba/#Conservacion_de_la_Cacatua_Alba
2 International Union for Conservation of Nature. (2013). Table 7: Species changing IUCN Red List Status (2012-2013). [ Archivo pdf]. Recuperado de: https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/content/attachment_files/2013_2_RL_Stats_Table7_edited.pdf
3 Tinajero, R. (Sin fecha). Manejo de psitácidos en cautiverio. [Archivo pdf]. Recuperado de: http://congreso.fmvz.unam.mx/pdf/memorias/Ciencias%20Veterinarias/INSTALACIONES%20PARA%20PSITACIDOS%20EN%20CAUTIVERIO%20RESUMEN%202015.pdf.
