Great Red Macaws Hatch in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest for the First Time in 200 Years

Overview

• IBAMA confirmed the first wild-born great red macaw chicks in the Atlantic Forest, with two young now flying and being fed by their parents in Bahia.
• The reintroduction began in 2024 at Estação Veracel, a 7,000-hectare private reserve, where artificial nest boxes helped pairs settle and defend nests.
• Project staff relied on remote monitoring to avoid disturbing the birds, which allowed them to verify the hatching and follow early foraging behavior.
• All released macaws came from captivity through donations or seizures and then underwent microchipping, quarantine, health checks, socialization, and flight training.
• As a large seed disperser, the species can speed forest recovery, and the team is asking zoos, rehab centers, environmental groups, and legal owners to donate birds to Cetas Porto Seguro to build future release groups.