Hawaiian Crows Released on Maui After Over 20 Years Extinct in the Wild

Five ʻalalā, sacred to Hawaiian culture and vital to ecosystems, were reintroduced in a conservation milestone following decades of preparation.

The Hawaiian crow, or ʻalalā, extinct in the wild since 2002, has been reintroduced with five birds released into Maui’s Kīpahulu Forest Reserve.
The species, sacred in Hawaiian culture and known for its intelligence, plays a critical ecological role by dispersing seeds and supporting biodiversity.
This effort follows earlier reintroduction attempts on Hawaii’s Big Island, which were paused due to predation by Hawaiian hawks and other challenges.
Extensive preparation included socialization, predator recognition training, and acclimation to native food sources to increase the birds' chances of survival.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and other partners aim to establish a self-sustaining population on Hawaii Island while monitoring the Maui cohort closely.