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Many and various members of the parrot family have been held in captivity for many centuries, both in countries of origin and, with the advent of global trading, in countries with no indigenous parrot species. This latter practice has grown apace with international transport systems, with undeniable impact on the wild populations of some species and with a frequent disregard for the welfare of traded individuals. The last two decades have seen a growing awareness of species decline, a closer consideration of the practices and ethics of commercial trade and, in addition, a realisation of the "insurance potential" of structured captive-breeding programmes.
Against this background, the Association of British Wild Animal Keepers organised its 14th Annual Symposium to consider various aspects of parrot husbandry. Held at Chester Zoo in April 1989, this was a "sell-out" symposium, with 140 delegates from both private aviculture and the zoo world. If the number attending the meeting gives a strong Indication of the continuing interest in this branch of aviculture, the time-lapse in the appearance of these Proceedings indicates the contributors' intense preoccupation with the practical business of parrot husbandry.
