ʻAlalā Project

Aloha ʻAlalā supporters! We have an update regarding the timeline for the release (see below), but note that the ʻAlalā community celebration is still on for this Saturday! And check out this cool video of the first release cohort feeding in the field aviary.

The ʻAlalā Project’s community celebration for the first release of the Native Hawaiian crow back into the wild is still scheduled for this Saturday, November 19th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in downtown Hilo. We’re now calling it a “pre-release” celebration. When dealing with animals raised in captivity, destined to return to their native habitats, the bird’s health and welfare are the top priority. The five male birds have spent the last month in a flight conditioning aviary, deep within the Pu’u Maka’ala Natural Area Reserve, basically “getting their wings,” and were outfitted with tiny transmitters to allow researchers to track their movements. Last week, researchers discovered unexpected issues with the transmitters which forced a postponement of this first release. It’s anticipated that the release will be rescheduled in the next few weeks. In the meantime, we invite everyone to join us for the celebration of one of Hawai‘i’s most interesting native forest birds. Learn about the ʻAlalā Project, the extraordinary efforts underway to best ensure their reintroduction and survival in their native habitats and enjoy videos, keiki activities and conservation information displays and booths.