Africa’s first museum dedicated solely to parrots has opened in Bigodi on the edge of Uganda’s Kibale National Park. The Grey Parrot Museum focuses on the conservation and ecology of the African grey parrot – one of the world’s most threatened bird species.
Kibale is best known for its chimpanzees but also supports a stable population of grey parrots. These birds have been heavily impacted by the illegal pet trade across West and Central Africa.
The museum, founded by Nick Byaba in collaboration with Brown University in the US, features themed exhibits on endangerment, the natural history of grey parrots, the threats they face and ongoing local conservation efforts. Bilingual displays in English and Rutooro highlight regional history and conservation initiatives.
Among the key initiatives is the Parrot Tree Caretakers Association cultivating indigenous fruit trees vital to the grey parrot’s diet. The Kasuku Conservation Network also monitors parrot populations and conducts community-based education programmes.
Byaba said: “By supporting community-based conservation efforts for grey parrots, we empower local communities to protect these intelligent birds and their habitats. This helps ensure a future where grey parrots thrive in the wild – free to soar for generations to come.”
