Panaji: Bondla wildlife sanctuary has added a new attraction with the arrival of a female blue-and-yellow macaw, making a vividly colourful addition to its avian collection.“The bird has settled well, and visitors can now view it in its enclosure,” said chief conservator of forests Naveen Kumar.He further said that the acquisition was made through authorised channels, involving breeders approved by the ministry of environment, forest and climate change.“The female macaw was recently procured from a govt-empanelled breeder based in Tamil Nadu and was introduced into the zoo’s enclosure after completing a mandatory 15-day quarantine period. The bird was released into its habitat on Friday and is adapting well,” he added.The zoo already has a male blue-and-yellow macaw of around 3.5 years old. The new female companion was brought in after the zoo lost its previous female macaw in 2024. According to the sources, the bird’s death was believed to be linked to an external disturbance, “likely attacked or startled by a wild bird from outside the enclosure.”Although the aviary was enclosed with mesh, it was suggested that a predator bird may have struck from outside, causing fatal shock to the female macaw previously inside. Macaws are known for their vibrant plumage and intelligence. The parrot is usually found in South America, inside tropical rainforests. They grow to about 32 inches in length with a wingspan of 41 inches and have a large, black beak used as a third foot for climbing.
