In a significant milestone for conservation, five Hawaiian crows, also known as ʻalalā, have been released into the wild on Maui for the first time since the species was declared extinct in the wild in 2002. The birds, two females and three males, were released on Wednesday as part of a concerted effort to restore the species to its natural Hawaiian habitat. This release marks a key moment in the long-running initiative to bring ʻalalā back from the brink of extinction, following decades of collaborative conservation work.

The ʻalalā is an iconic species native to Hawaii, once found only on the Big Island. Known for their remarkable intelligence and vibrant personalities, the birds faced extinction due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, the introduction of invasive predators, and the spread of diseases. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has been instrumental in the recovery of the species, working alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the University of Hawaii in an effort to reintroduce the birds into the wild.

Megan Owen, Vice President of Conservation Science at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, described the release of the ʻalalā as a “monumental step forward” in the effort to conserve the species. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in reversing biodiversity loss, noting the successful partnership among organizations that made the reintroduction possible.

Before their release, the five ʻalalā underwent extensive assessments to ensure they were prepared for life in the wild. These evaluations included determining the birds’ ability to forage for food, defend themselves against predators, and adapt to the challenges of their natural environment. Veterinary teams also conducted thorough health checks to ensure the birds were in peak condition. The birds had previously lived at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers, where they developed strong social bonds and were trained to survive in the wild.

This latest release follows previous efforts to reintroduce the ʻalalā to the wild. Between 2016 and 2020, thirty ʻalalā were released into the Puu Makaala Natural Forest Reserve on the Big Island, but despite early success, the population eventually declined. This setback led officials to halt reintroduction efforts and bring the remaining birds back into human care to ensure their survival.

The ʻalalā‘s return to Maui is a hopeful sign for the future of the species. Keanini Aarona, an avian recovery specialist at the Maui Bird Conservation Center, expressed deep cultural significance in the ʻalalā‘s restoration. “To me, and in my culture, the ʻalalā are like our ancestors—our kūpuna,” Aarona said. “The forest wouldn’t be there without these birds.” For Aarona, caring for the ʻalalā is not just a scientific endeavor, but a personal responsibility to protect a species that holds deep cultural and environmental importance.

The ʻalalā‘s return to the wild is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the many organizations involved in the recovery project. While the future of the species remains uncertain, conservationists remain hopeful that this release will be the first step toward rebuilding a sustainable population of ʻalalā in the Hawaiian forests.