The Hyacinth Macaw: Treasure of Nature in the Natuwa sanctuary.
Scientific name: Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus.
Origin: Native to South America, specifically the Amazon region.
The Hyacinth Macaw holds the title of the most giant flying parrot in the world. Its most distinctive feature is its vast and powerful beak, designed to break and feed on date seeds, which are practically inaccessible to other parrot family members. These seeds are a fundamental part of its diet and come mainly from a palm tree in the Pantanal of Brazil.
An attractive characteristic of these macaws is their diversity in nesting habits. While one group prefers to nest in the hollows of palm trees, another group opts for cavities in walls formed in very irregular terrain. Scientists have speculated that this difference could indicate the existence of two subspecies.
However, the future of these majestic macaws is uncertain due to the high demand generated among collectors. Although there are legal breeding grounds that supply specimens, unfortunately, the black market also plays a role in their illegal trade. This situation has led to the Hyacinth macaws being threatened with extinction, exacerbated further by the continuous degradation of their natural habitat in the Amazon due to deforestation.
The conservation of this species is vital, not only for preserving its unique beauty but also for maintaining the ecological balance in its natural environment.
The Story of Hyacinths in the Natuwa Sanctuary: A Song of Freedom.
More than two decades ago, Costa Rica received some unique visitors, but their arrival differed from the majority. They didn’t come in search of sun, beaches, or tropical forests; instead, they came with a valuable message: respect and admiration for birds and nature. These visitors were Margot and Richard Frisius, known as the “Amigos de las aves.“
The Frisius were passionate bird lovers, and their love for these majestic creatures led them to bring the world’s most giant flying parrot, the Hyacinth Macaw, to Costa Rica. Their organization, “Friends of the Birds,” had a noble purpose: to care for and protect these magnificent birds. They brought the Hyacinths to Costa Rica, where they found a new home.
However, life is often as unexpected as it is beautiful, and several years ago, Margot and Richard left us. But their legacy and love for birds endure. The Hyacinths, witnesses to their tireless commitment to wildlife, became a living testimony to the Frisius’ passion for conservation.
In their honor, these magnificent macaws found a new refuge at the Natuwa Sanctuary. Here, they live surrounded by vast stretches of pristine nature, as it should be. But, as a sign of respect and understanding for these sensitive beings, only one of them is shown to the public, as the others are shy birds deserving of privacy.
The Hyacinths are a touching reminder of why wild animals should not be kept as pets. They are long-lived and majestic creatures that deserve freedom in their homeland.
The story of these Hyacinths is a hymn to space and a lesson about our responsibility to wildlife. Sometimes, caring means providing a sanctuary where they can live their lives with dignity and respect, even if they cannot return to nature.
Every time we see these macaws, we remember Margot and Richard, their unwavering love for birds, and the enduring lesson they left us: we are all custodians of wildlife, and we must protect it for future generations.
