Forty red-breasted lorikeets have returned to Bali from the UK’s Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary as part of an international program to preserve the rare Balinese subspecies. The repatriation was organized by the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the World Parrot Trust.
“It’s not just about returning the animals to their natural habitat, but also about strengthening international cooperation in nature conservation,” said Ratna Hendratmoko, head of Bali's BKSDA.
Currently, all 40 birds are undergoing rehabilitation at two centers in Gianyar—PT Taman Burung Citra Bali and PT Taman Safari Indonesia III. Each center hosts 20 lorikeets, under the watch of veterinarians and ornithologists, preparing them for release into the wild through adaptation and breeding programs. 'The birds are receiving comprehensive care from a skilled team of specialists,' noted Ayudis Husadhi, the livestock manager at PT Taman Safari Indonesia III.
The red-breasted lorikeet is a vibrant yet vulnerable bird. The main threats are habitat loss and illegal trade in exotic animals. In the Batukaru forests (Tabanan district), locals know it as the 'bali-atat.' Elders recall that there used to be many of these birds, but now sightings are rare.
Preparations for repatriation began back in 2022: specialists studied the Batukaru forest area and gathered data from Indonesian and overseas zoos, confirming the species’ historical range in Bali.
The project is part of Indonesia’s efforts to preserve biodiversity and combat illegal wildlife trade. 'We hope this program reminds everyone: endemics are not commodities. Their place is in the wild under protection and care,' added Husadhi.
This is not just a touching story of returning home. It is an example of how international partnerships aid in restoring lost populations and returning balance to ecosystems.
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