The Tasmanian Government will capture half of the wild orange-bellied parrots born in 2018 in order to boost the captive population. With fewer than 50 birds remaining in the wild, captive breeding programs—despite the problems they’ve had—are the last hope for the continued survival of the species.
The captive population of Orange-bellied parrots contains approximately 400 birds, spread between several breeding facilities and Australia’s various zoos. With a little luck, the species will one day be re-introduced into the wild.