Hundreds of feathers donated to the Kogi people in Colombia

For several years we have been collecting feather moults of some of our bird species (macaws, flamingos, red ibises) to donate them to the Kogis, an Indian community living in the north of Colombia. This community uses the feathers in traditional rituals. But with many species of bird becoming increasingly rare and high insecurity levels in the region, the Kogis have more and more difficulty in finding feathers. This initiative helps to protect local bird species while enabling the Kogis to preserve their culture and traditions. This way, they can continue to pass on their rituals and perpetuate their knowledge within the community.

A few months ago, the Association Nativa represented by T. Nicoleau (who initiated this unconventional partnership with the zoo) and F. Kaston Flores donated hundreds of feathers to the Kogi people at the Kalabangaka site in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. The community's youngest "mamo" (spiritual guide) received the feathers during an exceptional dance ceremony.