05/14/2026
As with most animals, make sure you think rescue first - but if you decide to purchase an animal, make sure they are captive bred by a reputable breeder. A big red flag is a bird who is unbanded.
The African Grey Parrot is now one of the most protected parrots in the world because of declining wild populations and illegal trade.
Under international agreements like CITES, strict restrictions control how these birds can be traded across borders.
This protection exists for one reason:
Without it, many scientists believe their numbers could fall even faster in the wild.
As of early 2026, African Grey Parrots are protected by a strengthened, comprehensive ban on trapping, possession, and trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) enacted in July 2025. This legislation, combined with CITES Appendix I status, makes all international trade in wild-caught birds illegal, with intensive enforcement and rehabilitation efforts focused on stopping trafficking in key African regions.