As a matter of fact, the population of these extremely rare parrots under human care is inching upwards. This is an excellent example of why zoos, aquariums, and other managed wildlife facilities are needed. Even as Spix's macaw winked out of existence in the wild, some were left under the care of persons knowledgeable enough about the care and husbandry of these birds that they were able to collaborate and form a breeding program.
What's tragic isn't that it came to this. What's tragic is that there are many endangered species - the vaquita coming to mind especially these days - which we were not able to do this for, for one reason or another. The vaquita, I suspect, will very soon be extinct. Without a qualifier. Spix's macaw, I feel, still has a chance.
Spix's Macaw, Copyright Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation
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