Feb 16, 2015 | root_ks8kzico

Protecting the Macaws

Macaws are a species of bird that many people around the world obtain as pets. You may know them for repeating their owners’ lines like, “Polly want a cracker?” But, what you may not realize is that many of these birds are held captive and sometimes even abused by their owners.

While leading a trip in Costa Rica last winter, Julie Zickefoose visited a macaw and wildlife sanctuary not far from Selva Verde, and she is going back again in February. Don Alvaro is the man who rescues these beautiful birds and runs the sanctuary in Costa Rica.  He is doing everything he can to help them, but he definitely needs some help to care for these birds in a way that they can be free and happy.

If you would like to give to Don Alvaro in his quest to protect these macaws, please visit Julie Zickefoose’s blog to donate and to read more about his mission.    

Alvarothreebirdsscarletmacawhybridlineup

Up Next...

Photo of the Month: June 2026
This past summer, I led a group of students from the Pedro Menendez High School Academy of Future Healthcare Professionals on a medical outreach adventure to Costa Rica. I was looking for a way to exp
eBird Trip Reports: Peru
Want to know which species other Holbrook travelers have seen on their birding trips to Peru? Check out these eBird trip reports shared by past groups to see their checklists and get an idea of what y
Photo of the Month: May 2026
There is something very special about rising before dawn to leave our tented camp and visit the hippo pool where dozens of these giant creatures slowly make their way to the meeting point of the Seron

Why choose Holbrook?

We’ve been
coordinating travel
programs since 1974.

Custom-Tailored Trips
Safety & Security
24/7/365 Service
Knowledgeable Staff
Expert Guides
Rich Content

Want to hear about upcoming trips?

Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest updates on upcoming trips, deals, and more. 

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.