It has now been confirmed that Sheikh Al-Thani acquired 24 Spix's macaws from Antonio de Dios and now holds 31 macaws in Qatar

Regular visitors to the website may recall that at the end of last July (2003)I reported that Sheikh Saud bin Mohamed bin Ali Al-Thani of Qatar had acquired Spix's Macaws owned by Antonio de Dios. At the time neither party would confirm this. It has now been confirmed that Sheikh Al-Thani acquired 24 Spix's macaws from Antonio de Dios and now holds 31 macaws in Qatar. In addition he has now also acquired 13 Spix's Macaws previously owned by Roland Messer in Switzerland. These birds will remain in Switzerland for the time being in the care of employees of the Sheikh.

My personal opinion is that this is a welcome development in continuing efforts for the conservation of this rare parrot. Although the private aviculturists were successful in building up the captive population it is alleged to have been without regard to genetic factors. Very few zoos have been successful in breeding rare species of parrots and perhaps the Sheikh can provide a sort of halfway house combining the positive aspects of both private breeder and zoological institute. He certainly has the resources and appears to have a genuine desire to make a serious positive contribution to the conservation, including re-introduction, of the Spix's Macaw.