The resplendent quetzal is a beautiful and exotic bird found in the cloud forests of Central America. With its vibrant green feathers and long tail feathers, the quetzal has captivated people for centuries. Many wonder if it is possible to own a quetzal as a pet. While their stunning beauty is alluring, there are important factors to consider before getting a quetzal.
Quick Answer
It is illegal to own a quetzal as a pet in most countries due to their protected status. Quetzals are considered threatened or endangered throughout their natural range. International commercial trade is banned under CITES. Within Central America, national laws prohibit capturing, possessing, or exporting quetzals. For these reasons, it is not possible for the average person to legally own a quetzal bird.
About the Resplendent Quetzal
The resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) is a medium-sized bird native to the cloud forests of southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama. Its most distinctive feature is the long trailing tail feathers of the male that can reach up to 3 feet (1 m) long. Other characteristics of quetzals include:
- Coloration: Vibrant green with a bright red belly and undertail
- Size: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm) long; weighs around 6-9 ounces (170-265 grams)
- Diet: Fruits, insects, frogs, lizards
- Behavior: Shy, skittish, spends most time high in the forest canopy
- Breeding: Monogamous, breeds April-June
- Range: Humid broadleaf forests above 3,000 ft (900 m)
- Status: Endangered with populations decreasing
The resplendent quetzal was revered by Maya and Aztec cultures and ruled as the god of the air. Today it remains the national symbol of Guatemala and gives its name to Guatemala’s currency. However, quetzal populations have declined due to habitat loss from logging and land conversion. They are exceptionally sensitive to disturbance. All these factors contribute to their protected status in the wild.
Legal Protection for Quetzals
There are several laws and regulations in place that make it illegal to own a quetzal:
CITES Trade Restrictions
Quetzals are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This means that international commercial trade in wild quetzals or their parts is prohibited. However, some captive-bred birds might be allowed under permit for non-commercial purposes like scientific research.
National Laws
Within Central America, all countries ban capturing, possessing, or exporting quetzals. For example, in Guatemala it is illegal to keep a quetzal as a pet and penalties can include prison time. Most other quetzal range countries have similar national laws protecting the birds.
State and Local Laws
Even in areas outside of the quetzal’s natural range, state and local laws often do not allow exotic birds like quetzals to be owned without permits. Quetzals are not included on the list of birds that can be imported into the US, Canada, EU, or UK without quarantine.
Ethical Concerns
Beyond legal restrictions, there are compelling conservation reasons why quetzals do not make good pets:
- Wild-caught quetzals often die quickly from stress.
- Their specialized diet is difficult to replicate in captivity.
- They have extremely specific habitat needs.
- Their long tails make them vulnerable in a home environment.
- Captive breeding is challenging due to complicated courtship.
- Poaching and illegal trade is a threat to wild populations.
Experienced aviculturists caution against attempting to keep quetzals as pets. The few who work with captive quetzals are focused on conservation efforts, not private ownership. Removing quetzals from the wild or supporting illegal trade could be detrimental to the species’ survival. For these reasons, conservationists strongly recommend appreciating quetzals in their natural habitat.
Purchasing Captive-Bred Quetzals
Occasionally, quetzals do become available from breeders. However, this is extremely rare, expensive, and still may be illegal depending on where the buyer and breeder are located. Prices for captive-bred quetzals are often quoted at $5,000 – $10,000 USD or more per bird. Few breeders exist and many are solely focused on releasing birds into the wild for repopulation, not pets. It is unlikely to find a legitimate, legal source for purchasing a quetzal. Avoid untrustworthy dealers who may be selling illegal wild-caught birds or scams.
Caring for Quetzals in Captivity
For the few who are able to legally obtain quetzals and have suitable experience caring for delicate tropical birds, some considerations for their needs include:
- Very large aviary ideally mimicking a natural forest environment with trees and freedom of movement.
- High humidity around 75-100% and temperatures from 60-75°F.
- Waterfall and small pool for bathing and drinking.
- Diet of special nectar mixes, a wide variety of fruits, live insects.
- Calcium and vitamin supplements required.
- dims light.
Quiet environment away from noise and disturbance. - Socialization and space for pairing up and breeding.
Even meeting all these requirements, some birds may fail to thrive in captivity. There are always risks to their health and wellbeing when removing them from their native habitats.
Alternatives to Owning Quetzals
For those enamored with quetzals, there are recommended alternatives to attempting to keep them as pets:
- See quetzals in the wild through ecotourism in Central America.
- Visit aviaries and conservation facilities where they are cared for properly.
- Support quetzal conservation programs in their natural range.
- Enjoy other exotic tropical birds that are bred more readily in captivity.
- Appreciate quetzal symbolism and mythology through books, art, and education.
These options provide the reward of connecting with this special bird without the risks and difficulties of owning one. Being informed about quetzals, their protected status, and the laws involved with their trade is important for supporting these unique rainforest birds.
Summary
Here are the key points on whether you can own a quetzal as a pet:
- Quetzals are an endangered tropical bird protected by international and national laws.
- It is illegal to capture, export, or own a quetzal in nearly all circumstances.
- Purchasing captive-bred birds is extremely challenging and still may be unlawful.
- Quetzals have very specific care needs that make them unsuitable as pets.
- Appreciate quetzals through conservation programs and ecotourism instead of as pets.
For the vast majority of people, owning a quetzal bird simply won’t be possible. However, we can all ensure the future of quetzals by supporting responsible ecotourism, donating to conservation, and respecting the laws that protect this special species in the wild where they belong. Through such efforts, we can make sure quetzals continue to glisten over Central America’s cloud forests for generations to come.