Grey parrots in Africa are undergoing a rapid decline in the wild and has therefore been rated as critically endangered and at risk of imminent extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
As a results of the extensive harvest as well as mishandling of the wild birds, grey parrots are becoming extinct.
Kenyans have taken to twitter to urge for protection of the birds. Trending under the hashtag #WildlifeNotPets bird lovers asked people who keep parrots as pets to desist from doing so, arguing that the practise will endanger the species.
Below are some of the reaction.
#MoveTheWorldAF #WildlifeNotPets They Deserve a life of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/HXM3ZMEspF
— JANGIMA™ (@OukojohnJ) February 14, 2019
#wildlifenotpets @MoveTheWorld @MianoJN @Jameskisenge @owinofelix8 Valentine's to the Parrot…Animals deserve a life of freedom pic.twitter.com/DcaPG43J5T
— Geoffrey Martian (@geoffreymartia1) February 14, 2019
However much they may seem minor, but they are very major @MoveTheWorldAF #WildlifeNotPets
— Linda Onyango (@LindaOnyango254) February 14, 2019
These beautiful birds are endangered now because of the greed of mankind. I speak against grey parrot trade @ MoveTheWorldAf #WildlifeNotPets
— Glowrutto (@GloriaKiprutto) February 14, 2019
Starting off this day with a cry for help for the #AfricanGreyParrot.
Will you be our Valentine? Please sign this petition and help us stop the illegal trade and transport of the precious birds from their homes.#WildlifeNotPetshttps://t.co/NVJqVxzr94
— Minister of Congratulations 😂 (@AKenyanGirl) February 14, 2019
#WildlifeNotPets showing love also to the Kenyan birds pic.twitter.com/ia04WgCIXE
— Linda Onyango (@LindaOnyango254) February 14, 2019
#WildlifeNotPets #ValentinesDay2019
This animals deserve freedom, they deserve nothing less than a home in the wild not cages pic.twitter.com/jRtxyK47BG— Limo Jerop (@jerop_limo) February 14, 2019
These exotic birds are unique and can live up to sixty years. However, their life span reduces when they are made pets. #WildlifeNotPets @MoveTheWorldAF pic.twitter.com/wZPQ0PWnPE
— Eunice W – Yu Fitness (@Yunis_W) February 14, 2019