‘Extinct’ parrot which inspired Rio films is spotted for first time in 15 years

A rare blue parrot, which was the inspiration for the animated film Rio, has been spotted in the wild for the first time in 15 years. The solitary Spix’s macaw was caught on video flying through trees in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The footage was captured by 16-year-old Damily Oliveira, whose grandfather, Pinpin, had died two years ago saddened by the belief the species had died out in the wild. Experts think that it might have been freed by a poacher fearing arrest.

You should have seen the joy of the people when I got there, saying the macaw was back

Pedro Develey, head of the Brazilian Society for the Conservation of Birds

There are thought to be just 100 of the parrots left alive and all are said to be in hands of zoos or private collectors. A colony is being bred in Qatar and Brazil with plans to reintroduce some of them into the wild. Pedro Develey, head of the Brazilian Society for the Conservation of Birds, said the latest sighting thrilled people in Curaca, where it was seen. “They set up groups to locate the bird and control any potential dealers from entering,” he said. However, after a search of the area, the bird has not been seen again.

spix's macaw