Wings of Hope: A Journey to Save the Scarlet Macaw

Ever since I was a child, I've been captivated by the sight of birds soaring overhead with their powerful, graceful wings. But nothing compared to the experience I had in Belize. I remember the first time I encountered these magnificent creatures—their vibrant feathers shimmered in every color imaginable, turning each flight into a breathtaking, moving rainbow. Their playful nature and joyful companionship left an indelible mark on my heart.

However, my wonder was soon shadowed by a harsh reality. My knowledgeable guide, Ramon, explained that these "rainbow birds" were in decline due to local extinction and habitat destruction. I was stunned to learn that humans, whom I assumed were the birds' protectors, could be the very threat to their survival.

A week later, while visiting a wildlife rehabilitation center in Belize City, I encountered a scarlet macaw that epitomized resilience. Despite missing one foot, he was full of life, happily playing with his friend. I even had the chance to feed him some pumpkin seeds—a moment that filled me with joy and deepened my resolve to make a difference.

That night, reflecting on these experiences, I asked myself, "What if I could help save these beautiful creatures?" With my mom's encouragement, I turned to GoFundMe to raise money for their protection. Thanks to a longstanding connection with the renowned organization Fauna & Flora, I learned that they were already working tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate scarlet macaws. I eagerly joined their efforts, determined to contribute in any way I could.

Here's what makes these birds so remarkable:

• They mate for life, showing affection through mutual preening and feeding each other.

• Their strong beaks allow them to crack open nuts and seeds.

• In captivity, they can live up to 75 years.

• Their intelligence shines through in their ability to mimic human speech.

• They're incredibly playful and fun.

• Living primarily in the tropical rainforests of South and Central America, they play a vital role in seed dispersal, helping to regenerate and sustain the forest ecosystem by planting trees.

Today, I am reaching out to you—friends, family, and supporters—to join me in safeguarding these incredible creatures from local extinction and the relentless threat of habitat loss. Your support can help ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to marvel at the beauty and resilience of the scarlet macaw.

Fauna & Flora guarantee they will do the work on the ground to save them while I continue my fundraising efforts in New York for them. See this video to see what are the missions of Fauna & Flora: https://youtu.be/2MmIWQJ0820?si=nBTSGAXu5qcoZbgU

Thank you for standing with us.