June, 2004
Tropical Nature Travel
Piaui, Brazil
by Marc Johnson

This trip to a remote and seldom visited part of Brazil east of the Amazon rainforests was made all the more interesting and informative by the presence of Dr. Charles Munn, founder and executive director of Tropical Nature Travel. I would personally like to thank Dr. Munn for his time and for the wealth of knowledge that he shared with us. Dr. Munn's 40 years of work and experience in the study of these fragile habitats are a bright spot on the horizon, and this trip left me with a sense of hope for the future of all parrots.

Dr. Munn's focus is on saving the islands of habitat where these magnificent parrots and many other species will be able to thrive while the economic progress that is taking place around them marches on. I am convinced that through the work of Dr. Munn and his organization we will have parrots for as long as his work is supported by those who contribute to this effort by taking a trip into the wild where the parrots thrive and live free.

Our journey began with a flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil, and to the Instituto Florestal Conservation Center. Here parrots and other wildlife that have been confiscated by the state await their return to the wild. Brazil, like America, does not allow the keeping of wildlife without a permit. This includes all of the native parrots of Brazil, and there is a growing movement in Brazil to protect the natural heritage for future generations.

The overall cost of this trip varies according to the number of people in the group and our costs, exclusive of air fare to Brazil, were around $250.00 per day, which included all ground and air transportation, meals, accommodations, guides and interpreters.

It is the sincere hope of all of us at Foster Parrots that people will choose to visit these places where parrots still thrive, and thus promote their preservation, rather than purchasing a parrot. When one considers the cost of buying a parrot, which can run from between $1,000.00 - $8,000.00, plus $1,000.00 or more for a proper cage, and the costs of caring for one over many years (approximately $1,000.00 - $2,000.00 per year), we believe it will be a far more rewarding experience to adopt a wild parrot by contributing to his or her life in the places where they enjoy life as it was meant to be.

The memories, as these images will testify to, will last a lifetime and provide a deep sense of having made a difference by contributing to the work of Tropical Nature Travel, where the profits go to the cause, not to an individual's pocket. By taking one of these trips you also will be showing the local populations the value of protecting and caring for the parrots.

You can make a difference and have a great time whilst doing so.

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