Rescued parrot chicks signal progress in fight against wildlife trafficking

Endangered parrot hatchlings rescued from suspected traffickers at South Africa's OR Tambo International Airport are being cared for by wildlife experts, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment announced on Monday. Minister David Maynier visited the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in Pretoria on September 10, 2026, to receive an update on the eggs seized in two separate interceptions at the airport in the past two months.

The eggs were found in makeshift incubators that exposed them to cold shock and shaking, which prevented many from hatching and caused some hatched chicks to die within three days. The department turned to SANBI to save as many of the vulnerable hatchlings as possible. Maynier commended the team's efforts, praising their work around the clock to give these birds a fighting chance despite the harsh conditions.

Genetic testing is underway, and early findings indicate that African Grey, Galah, and Conure parrots are among the hatchlings. All three species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), meaning exports require permits from both sending and receiving countries. Violations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act can result in fines of up to R10 million, ten years in prison, or both.

The suspect arrested in the second interception is set to return to court after a bail hearing postponed to September 16, 2026. "Animal cruelty charges will be added to the charge sheet given the conditions in which the eggs were being transported," the department stated. Officials credited the cooperation between the department's Green Scorpions, police crime intelligence, border police, and the stock theft and endangered species unit in the investigation.

Maynier emphasized that the fight against wildlife trafficking, an organized crime, is far from over. He pledged to engage with the department to determine how to provide better resources and support to Green Scorpions, sending a clear message that wildlife trafficking will not be tolerated in South Africa.