DRC releases rescued African grey parrots as trade ban takes effect
Fifty African grey parrots rescued from traffickers were released into the wild in Maniema province in early October, following a year of rehabilitation by the Lukuru Foundation. The release comes as the DRC begins enforcing a nationwide ban issued on 31 July 2025 on the capture, possession and trade of the species – a move seen as key to tackling illegal wildlife trade and supporting the country’s biodiversity and nature‑based tourism appeal.
Lukuru now operates three rehabilitation centres – at Lodja and Dingi, with a new facility at Kisangani Zoo opened in April that has already received 112 birds – and reports around 400 parrots cared for and released to date. Authorities and NGOs caution that trapping persists in parts of Maniema and Tshopo, stressing the need for community awareness, stronger law enforcement and post‑release monitoring to prevent recapture and dismantle trading networks.
Source: News Mongabay
