Morelia Zoo Receives 83 Rescued Birds from Operation in Pátzcuaro
A total of 83 wild and domestic birds have been transferred to the Benito Juárez Zoo in Morelia to receive specialized medical care after being seized during an operation carried out by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) at a residence in the municipality of Pátzcuaro.
According to the zoo, the seizure was conducted in coordination with the Civil Guard, the Undersecretariat of Intelligence and Police Investigation (SIE), and the Michoacán State Attorney General’s Office. Authorities discovered that the animals could not be legally proven to be owned and were being kept in conditions that failed to meet the welfare standards required for wildlife.
Officials reported that several of the birds were in poor health due to inadequate captivity conditions, making it necessary to transfer them immediately to the zoo’s facilities to begin their recovery process.
Among the rescued animals are 29 parakeets, 8 cockatoos, 9 yellow sparrows, 6 mockingbirds, 15 house sparrows, one seven-colored tanager, two blackbirds, and one spotted wren. Additionally, there are domestic species such as 3 Australian parakeets, 3 lovebirds, and 6 canaries, some of which were injured and in weakened condition.
Specialized Medical Care
Upon arrival at Benito Juárez Zoo, a multidisciplinary team of veterinarians, biologists, caretakers, and conservation specialists began conducting individual clinical evaluations of each bird to determine their health status and establish appropriate treatments.
Experts will also design specific feeding plans for each species and treat any injuries detected during initial examinations, with the goal of improving their physical condition and reducing stress caused by captivity.
As part of the protocol, all birds will undergo a quarantine period, during which they will be closely monitored, receive preventive treatments, and benefit from environmental enrichment designed to support their recovery and adaptation.
Once this phase is completed, Profepa will determine the final destination of each specimen, in accordance with current environmental regulations and the resolutions issued for this case.
Benito Juárez Zoo has urged the public to avoid the illegal purchase and possession of wildlife, reminding that such actions harm conservation efforts and endanger animal welfare. The zoo also reaffirmed that protecting biodiversity requires the participation of both authorities and the public.
