Critically Endangered Macaws Recovered 60 Miles from London Zoo

Two critically endangered parrots, which had escaped from London Zoo a week prior during a routine flight, have been located 60 miles (97km) distant and are reported to be in “good health.” The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) confirmed that the blue-throated macaws, named Lily and Margot, were tracked to Cambridgeshire on Sunday, following reports from local residents. After receiving multiple tip-offs, bird-keepers from London Zoo traveled to a family’s residence in Buckden. This family had conducted online searches for missing bird reports after observing the macaws perched in trees within their garden. Although the macaws departed before the keepers’ arrival, they were subsequently tracked to a field in nearby Brampton, aided by informed local residents. ZSL stated that the bird-keepers verified the parrots were indeed the missing Lily and Margot, and upon recognizing the zoo personnel, the birds promptly descended from a tree directly onto their arms. Subsequently, they were provided with a generous amount of their preferred foods, including pumpkin seeds, pecans, and walnuts. A spokesperson for ZSL commented: “Lily and Margot are both in good condition and their usual loud, chirpy selves, although a little tired from their long flight from London to Cambridgeshire.” The birds have been placed in quarantine within the zoo’s hospital, a routine procedure for all animals entering London Zoo. ZSL reported that they were receiving considerable care and nourishment from veterinary staff and zookeepers. Following this isolation period, they are scheduled to be reunited with their parents, Popeye and Ollie. The spokesperson added: “Our thanks go to those across the country whose assistance proved vital in the safe return of Lily and Margot to London Zoo.”