Returning Home:
ArkAsia Foundation and BKSDA Relocate Endemic Birds to Maluku
On 17 December 2025, ArkAsia, in collaboration with the Conservation and Natural Resources Center (BKSDA), successfully carried out a wildlife relocation project by returning nine rehabilitated birds to their natural home in Maluku.
The relocated birds consisted of:
5 Eclectus Parrots / Nuri Bayan (Eclectus roratus)
2 Yellow-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua sulphurea)
1 Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)
1 White-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua alba)
All of these species are endemic to eastern Indonesia and play an important role in their native ecosystems.
From Confiscation to Recovery
The birds first arrived at ArkAsia on 5 February 2025 as confiscated wildlife from illegal possession and trade cases. In total, 21 birds were received. Sadly, 6 birds died during transportation due to extremely poor conditions and stress.
When the remaining birds arrived at ArkAsia, most were in very bad condition — weak, stressed, malnourished, and unfamiliar with natural behaviors.
For the next 10 months, ArkAsia carried out an intensive rehabilitation process, which included:
Medical treatment and routine health monitoring
Nutritional rehabilitation and recovery diets
Behavioral training to reduce human dependence
Physical conditioning to rebuild strength and natural movement
Through consistent care and patience, the birds gradually regained their health and natural behaviors.
Birds Still in Rehabilitation
Besides the nine birds that were successfully relocated to Maluku, 7 birds are still undergoing rehabilitation at ArkAsia. These include:
Nuri Kabare / Salvadori’s Fig Parrot (Psittaculirostris salvadorii)
➤ Endemic to Southwest Papua (Papua Barat Daya), IndonesiaYellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea)
➤ Endemic to Southeast Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tenggara), Indonesia
Because these species originate from different islands and habitats, they cannot be released together. Each group must be returned to its specific native region to ensure the best chance of survival in the wild.
A Step Toward Conservation
By December 2025, the nine birds were in good physical condition and declared ready for relocation. With the support and coordination of BKSDA, they were safely transported and released back to Maluku, where they belong in the wild.
This project reflects ArkAsia’s commitment to giving wildlife a second chance—from rescue and rehabilitation to proper release into the right habitat.
ArkAsia Foundation‘s Commitment
From rescue and rehabilitation to education and release, ArkAsia continues to work with government partners like BKSDA to protect Indonesia’s extraordinary biodiversity. Every animal returned to the wild is a reminder that conservation is not just about saving individuals—but restoring balance to nature.