Australians donated more than AU$130,000 ($97,247) in just one week to help save a critically endangered parrot that is down to just three breeding pairs in the wild, it was reported Monday.
Scientists were shocked to find just 14 orange-bellied parrots had survived the annual migration from mainland Australia to a national park in the southern island of Tasmania, with just three wild females to continue the species.
The scientists appealed for public support to help fund a hands-on rescue mission that would see scientists protect every nest they could find.
Dr. Dejan Stojanovic of the Australian National University told the broadcaster ABC the crowdfunding campaign raised the AU$60,000 they were seeking in just 24 hours and after a week they had received more than AU$130,000.
"We're slowly making our way to about 140,000, which would give us 10,000 for every wild, remaining parrot left," he said.
"It's been just totally humbling and overwhelming. It's been really amazing how wide the reach has been and how interested everyday people are in these poor little birds."
The success of the fundraising will pay for a drive to protect every nest and exchange infertile eggs with fertile ones from a breeding program run by the Tasmanian Department of Parks and Environment.
A dozen females bred in captivity were released into the wild two weeks ago and it is hoped they will pair up with the wild male parrots.
"It's not too late, there is still hope. Other species have been brought back from the brink with even fewer individuals."The fundraising campaign ended on Monday.
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