Rare Species Conservatory Foundation

08/14/2023

Darla, our critically endangered Cayman Brac iguana, encourages everyone to celebrate by learning about the vital role reptiles play in our ecosystems! FIU Institute of Environment FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education

08/14/2023

Strong partners build strong programs! We are on track to return 25 Mountain Bongo from our US facility to Kenya in early 2024. Reverse the Red FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

08/11/2023

That person who just has to be the first one in at Costco the second the door gate is lifted. IYKYK.

08/07/2023

From the nursery! Lovely portraits of our weaning Red-browed Amazon chicks. These three are almost ready to go out with the flock! FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment

08/07/2023

With temperatures in the triple digits in South Florida, we go the extra mile to keep the animals in our care cool, especially the primates. All enclosures have shady spots and fans running to maximize air flow, and we add ice to every water bowl during the hottest part of the day. We also freeze water bottles to create a cold "lick it" spot. As you can see, our pygmy marmosets enjoy this--getting a nice cold drink as the bottle thaws and creates condensation. Keeping everyone hydrated is crucial this time of year!

How are you staying cool during these hot days??

FIU Institute of Environment FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education

08/02/2023

Excellent news from the field!

A new population study shows golden lion tamarins are rebounding in Brazil. The monkeys are endangered but are considered one of conservation’s rare success stories.

08/02/2023

Marmoset Moment of the Day! Playing house. This family of three is having a blast with a tiny log house from Exotic Nutrition. Watching them play is such a joy. Play behavior is very important for primates, establishing family bonds and social skills. These three thoroughly enjoy each other's company! FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education

08/02/2023

Today is International Golden Lion Tamarin Day. We'd like to share some images of the incredible GLTs we have had the privilege to work with over the years. Moe, Mariah, Zeppo, Marmalade and more, we have been humbled and inspired to house such an incredible species. Lion tamarins are critically endangered and facing serious challenges in the wild due to habitat loss, climate change and disease. To learn how you can help please visit and support Save the Golden Lion Tamarin, https://www.facebook.com/saveglts

FIU Institute of Environment FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education Reverse the Red

08/01/2023

From the nursery! Two of our youngest red-bowed Amazon parrots are almost fully weaned and flying!

07/31/2023

We celebrate the true heroes of wildlife conservation on World Ranger Day. Men and women risking their lives on the front lines, saving wildlife every day.

07/30/2023

Marmoset Moment of the Day. This female pygmy marmoset is enjoying a relaxing morning being groomed by her adult son. Grooming is an essential social behavior that reinforces family/pair bonds, promotes healthy skin and coat, and is an overall enjoyable experience! FIU Institute of Environment FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education

07/25/2023

Tongue out Tuesday!!!

07/22/2023

This baby is a cutie!

07/22/2023

From the nursery! Our baby Red-browed Amazon parrot is almost fully feathered! Still needs to grow in a tail, but well on its way to full plumage. Still being hand-fed three times a day, but will be weaning soon. Can't wait for this one to join the flock!

07/22/2023

Congratulations to all involved in this incredible milestone for Kakapo Recovery! This program is a perfect example of what it takes to rescue species on the brink of extinction. Decades of hard work with decades more to come.

07/21/2023

What do you feed one of the world’s most endangered parrot species? Here at RSCF we rely on Higgins Premium to feed our flocks of Red-browed Amazon parrots. Red-brows are critically endangered in the wild and RSCF has been working for over 30 years to maintain a healthy captive colony (the only colony in captivity in North America) while also partnering with organizations in Brazil to protect vital in situ habitat and develop strategies to return Red-brows to the wild. Higgins has been with us the whole way, providing seed and more to the program. Higgins diets are fantastic—and as you can see, the birds love them. On behalf of all our feathered friends at RSCF, we thank Higgins for their continued support of parrot conservation around the globe! Higgins Premium Pet Foods / Versele-Laga FIU Institute of Environment FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education Reverse the Red

Photos and video courtesy of RSCF team member Carolyn Smith.

07/19/2023

RSCF team member Manny Medina caught this rainy moment of zen with our bongo. Enjoy! Manny Medina FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment

07/15/2023

From the nursery. Our baby red-browed Amazon is figuring out what wings are for! FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment Parque Das Aves

07/13/2023

In the news! FIU Institute of Environment FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education Re:wild Reverse the Red Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Speaking during a site visit where the Bongos and rhinos will be kept as sanctuary, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza said the move was a milestone on conservati...

07/13/2023

The groundswell of in-country support for this project is just amazing. Stay tuned for more! FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment Reverse the Red Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/meru-bongo-and-rhino-conservation-trust-secures-license-to-import-bongo-from-america/

07/12/2023

Strong partners build strong programs! Good news for Mountain Bongo recovery. FIU Institute of Environment FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education Reverse the Red Re:wild

07/11/2023

Today is Amazon Prime day! The perfect day to support RSCF by gifting through our Wish List. Our birds, primates, and more would be deeply grateful. Check it out!

07/11/2023

Now that's a fine group of young gentlemen! FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment

07/11/2023

Mountain Bongo in the News! We are beyond thrilled to be a part of this incredible project. 2024 will be the Year of the Bongo! FIU Institute of EnvironmentFIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education Reverse the Red

07/11/2023

Somebody's turning green! FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment Higgins Premium Pet Foods / Versele-Laga

07/09/2023

Kathita enjoying a stroll through the cypress pond. Manny Medina FIU Institute of Environment FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education

07/07/2023

Breaking News - Mountain Bongo import permits and veterinary protocols have been secured through the Kenya Wildlife Service. We are on track to send 25 bongo from our US facility to Kenya in early 2024. Stay tuned for more! FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment

07/06/2023

Wildlife art is incredible. Paintings, photography, film, and sculpture all have the means to thrill, educate, and inspire. Every piece of art tells a story individual to each artist. From the earliest days of National Geographic's amazing film and print, to larger than life 2D, 3D, and even 4D creations today. Avatar, anyone? But what about AI generated art? The images included here were generated using Midjourney by RSCF staff. Does AI generated art have a role to play in conservation? We'd love to hear what you think! National Geographic Society FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment

07/06/2023

Support our good friends at One Earth Conservation!

We're a finalist for Solution Search's "Changing Unsustainable Trade" $20k prize!
This contest spotlights and accelerates solutions for reducing the illegal + unsustainable trade in and the .
Can you vote + share this to your stories?? Link to vote is https://solutionsearch.org/changing-unsustainable-trade and is also in our bio!!!

07/04/2023

From the nursery! Red, white and...green? All of us at RSCF wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

07/04/2023

From the RSCF kitchen! Today's treats and diets are holiday themed in red, white and blue. Fresh strawberries, cauliflower, and blueberries for all today.

Happy 4th of July! Thanks to RSCF team members Carolyn Smith, Manny Medina, Aleta Mitrovic and CJ Buttery.

FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment Higgins Premium Pet Foods / Versele-Laga

07/02/2023

Ms. D loves her banana!!

07/01/2023

07/01/2023

Saturday Stretch Zone with Lexie, our black tufted marmoset. RSCF team member Manny Medina delivering delicious Rainbow Mealworms!

07/01/2023

Please be mindful of all those (human and non-human) who will be negatively affected by fireworks this holiday weekend. In Florida, any personal fireworks that leave the ground and explode are illegal. Some communities have suspended the use of personal fireworks entirely.

On behalf of wildlife everywhere, we ask that you suspend all use of illegal fireworks and enjoy local municipal fireworks events. Your neighbors, your neighborhood wildlife, and domestic pets will be better for it.

We wish everyone a safe holiday weekend!

06/30/2023

Help our partner, One Earth Conservation, win $20K through Solution Search to continue their mission to stop illegal wildlife trade and parrot poaching. Click the link and share!

This contest, Changing Unsustainable Trade, aims to reduce wildlife trafficking with behavior change to protect conservation. Entry deadline: February 28.

06/28/2023

From the nursery. Our baby red brow is developing its feather pattern! FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education FIU Institute of Environment