Background

Parrots bought and sold for the pet trade often enter through horrendous portals: puppy-mill style mass breeding operations; illegal trafficking; hoarding; abandonment. The lucky ones find homes that care, or sanctuaries, or animal shelters that understand the adoption needs within and outside the shelter. They are the lucky 10%. Usually, 90% of trafficked (smuggled, poached, illegal trade are all the evil synonyms) die during the smuggling operations and in their first year of captivity.

Mass breeding, hoarding and illegal trade all are cruel. The birds often have contagious diseases, very poor health and are terrified of humans. They have known little if any kindness in their entire short lives.

Faces of the Trade illustrations are sketches are taken from real, live birds that have been confiscated; and are part of the lucky few to know eventual good health,  good food, cleanliness, a world filled with toys and companionship, love and respect from human caregivers.

All images here are donated for fundraising purposes to the many organizations that have assisted in rescue care, treatment and placement of these resilient creatures. Contact patlatasart@gmail.com for a list of recommendations/donation sites.