One of Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)’s mandates is Rescue and Rehabilitation of Wildlife, thanks to a host of experts at UWEC who have done this great job since 1994. In the year 2011, UWEC in conjunction with partners Uganda Wildlife Authority and the World Parrot Trust facilitated the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release of 272 African Grey Parrots (AGPs).

This success led to a vote of confidence in the Ugandan Wildlife Authorities in handling Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release of wildlife  in a Professional manner. Accordingly, the Uganda Government has been approached by our partners, the World Parrot Trust, to receive, rehabilitate and release 40 AGPs into Uganda. These parrots were confiscated in Bulgaria at the Airport, destined for the East. They were quarantined at Sofia Zoo where they have been for more than two years. We thank the Bulgarian Government, the World Parrot Trust in joining other African partners in Conservation to save these great endangered birds.

Several meetings and consultations have gone on to facilitate this process including the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (CITES Management Authority), Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (Ngamba Island), Uganda Wildlife authority (UWA) and Makerere University. As a result, the necessary documentation was acquired and the process of receiving the birds is in its final stages.

UWEC is happy to carry out this global noble cause that will further strenthen our relationship with our local, regional and International partners.

A survey team visited the proposed release site after quarantine and all is set to receive the birds.

We are grateful for the mutual partnership among the various stakeholders that have facilitated this process including Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), World Parrot Trust (WPT), Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in Uganda.