Rene Ebersole

Rene Ebersole, Editor-in-chief at Wildlife Investigative Reporters and Editors (WIRE), dives into the illegal trade of African grey parrots, now internet sensations. She reveals how online fame drives up demand, leading to trafficking networks that threaten the species. Ebersole discusses the high prices for these birds, the poaching operations, and the dark trade routes reaching Asia and the Middle East. With insights into conservation status and smuggling tactics, she emphasizes the urgent need for better enforcement and the role of social media in this crisis.