MACAW RESCUED AFTER ESCAPING ITS CAGE IN PLAYA BLANCA, LANZAROTE
Firefighters carry out a careful rescue after an exotic parrot becomes stranded seven metres up a palm tree in southern Lanzarote.
A colourful visitor to the treetops caused an unusual emergency response in Playa Blanca this week after a macaw escaped from its enclosure and found itself stranded high above the ground.
The incident happened on Thursday, 29 October, at Residencial Montaña Roja in Playa Blanca, in the municipality of Yaiza. The bird had managed to get out of its cage before making its way into a nearby palm tree, where it settled approximately seven metres above the ground.
Fortunately, the situation had a happy ending thanks to the quick response of Lanzarote's emergency services.
FIREFIGHTERS CALLED TO RESCUE STRANDED MACAW
The incident was reported at approximately 10:45 am after the Local Police in Yaiza alerted the Lanzarote Security and Emergencies Consortium.
Firefighters from Parque Sur attended the scene and quickly established that the macaw was perched too high for a straightforward rescue.
To reach the bird safely, the team brought in an ECO2 aerial ladder vehicle, allowing them to work at the height of the palm tree.
The firefighters successfully reached the macaw and captured it without causing any injuries. The bird was subsequently handed back to the person responsible for it, who took it away safely in a cage.
It was a positive outcome for an unusual call-out, with the bird escaping unharmed.
WHY EXOTIC PARROTS CAN BE A CONCERN IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
Although macaws are striking and much-loved birds, their presence outside captivity can raise wider environmental questions.
Macaws belong to the Psittacidae family, which includes parrots, parakeets and other related birds. They are naturally found in tropical regions of Central and South America, rather than the Canary Islands.
Some introduced parrot species are classified as invasive or potentially invasive in the Canary Islands. This is because non-native animals that establish themselves in the wild can compete with local wildlife for food, nesting areas and other resources.
The concern is not limited to parrots. The introduction of non-native plants and animals is a recognised environmental challenge across the Canary Islands, where unique island ecosystems can be particularly vulnerable to outside species.
It is important to distinguish between an individual escaped pet and an established wild population. There is no indication that this particular macaw had established itself in the wild or caused environmental damage.
A REMINDER ABOUT RESPONSIBLE EXOTIC PET OWNERSHIP
The rescue also highlights the importance of keeping exotic pets secure. Birds such as macaws are intelligent, powerful and capable of flying considerable distances if they escape.
Owners of exotic birds should ensure that cages, aviaries and outdoor enclosures are secure and suitable for the species they keep.
If an exotic bird escapes, it is important to contact the appropriate authorities rather than attempting a risky rescue, particularly if the animal is high up in a tree or in an inaccessible location.
Releasing unwanted exotic pets into the countryside is also not a responsible option. It can put the animal itself at risk while potentially creating problems for Lanzarote's native wildlife.
ANOTHER UNUSUAL RESCUE IN LANZAROTE
For residents and visitors in Playa Blanca, Thursday's incident was an unusual sight and a reminder of the varied work carried out by Lanzarote's firefighters.
From road accidents and fires to animal rescues, the island's emergency teams regularly respond to situations that go well beyond the incidents people might normally associate with a fire service.
On this occasion, their careful work ensured that an escaped macaw was safely recovered and reunited with the person responsible for its care.
For more Lanzarote news, local updates, travel information and useful advice for visitors and residents, keep following Lanzarote Waits For You.
The Attached Image is for Illustration Purposes Only.
