A New Aviary:
The Puerto Rican parrot is one of the world's most endangered birds, with approximately 20 ? 25 birds left in the wild. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's goal is to have self-sustaining populations of Puerto Rican parrots throughout Puerto Rico. The Service is building a state-of-the-art aviary to offer the best veterinary care to these animals and to breed healthy parrots to release into the wild.
The aviary's construction is funded with $1.7 million from the United States Congress. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation raised an additional $700,000 for construction. Major donors include Herencia, Wal-Mart Corporation, and the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico.
Name Contest:
The Service is providing the public an opportunity to be part of this new facility, which is an important investment in the future of Puerto Rico's natural and cultural heritage. The contest will be open from January 19 until February 16. The name with the highest number of votes will be announced on April 28, 2007 during the aviary grand opening.
The Service selected five possible names with significant ties to the Puerto Rican parrot:
- Iguaca Aviary: Taino name for the Puerto Rican Parrot.
- Borincano Aviary: Borincano means Puerto Rican or relative to Puerto Rico, rooting from Boriken, the indigenous name for the island.
- Esmeralda Aviary: Emerald, for the emerald green color of the parrot feathers:
- Esperanza Aviary: Hope, symbolic of hope for the recovery of the species.
- Rio Grande Aviary: Name of the municipality where the aviary is located.
How to vote:
The public is invited to vote online, via fax or regular mail. To request a mail-in form or for more information, contact Lilibeth Serrano at 787-851-7297 ext 239.
