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have visited this park, when I say it is a
simply stunning experience. Definitely put this on your list when
visiting Europe.
BIRD
IMPORTER/ EXPORTER, THE NETHERLANDS: After a few days of
relaxing in Germany, and after the tiring visit to Walsrode, it was
time to meet up with Joe again back in the Netherlands to see what he
had planned for us. He had already planned for us to visit two
Importer, Exporters, one of them in the Netherlands and the other in
Belgium. These were quite a distance apart from one another so it would
take up most of the day. The first one to visit was called the Animal
Trading Company, owned by Tonie Verhoeven located in a town called
Tilburg, in the Netherlands. This place really opened up my eyes,
believe me, I have never seen as many South American birds in the one
place before. Every type of Amazon Parrot could be seen here, as well
as a very large collection of other birds, including Toucans,
Tauraco’s, Macaws, Parrolets, African Greys, Cockatoos,
Finches, Vasa Parrots, Caique,s, Hawk Heads, Thick Billed Parrots,
Eclectus Parrots, Kakarikis, just to name a few. After viewing his
shop, which was an incredible experience on its own, I was then invited
by Tonie to visit his Quarantine Station, which consists of around 30
separate rooms, all tiled with aluminium cages from floor to ceiling.
This is when my eyes truly nearly fell out; these rooms were full of
all kinds of Amazon Parrots, Hawk Heads, Macaws & Caiques. They
say seeing is believing, well I truly witnessed something there that I
will remember forever, all these birds mentioned come from their home
country, legally trap and sold to importers, exporters all over the
world. Tonie mentioned to me that 10% of the population can be trapped,
and 20% of the money raised through the selling of these birds goes
back into their habitats and their environment. Some Amazons seen here
were, Mealy’s, Orange Winged, Blue Fronted, Yellow Fronted,
Yellow Naped, Double Yellow Headed, Cuban, & Puerto Rican
Amazons. Tonie had over 800 Amazon Parrots held in his shop, and in his
Quarantine Centre. Although I did not ask Tonie, I don’t
believe he had a private collection of birds.
BIRD
IMPORTER/ EXPORTER, BELGIUM: The next Importer, Exporter
as mentioned before was in Belgium, in the town of Westerlo, which is
situated between Brussels and Antwerpen. This center is called Zoopark
Corten, and is owned by Jean Pistone & Simone Corten. As well
as an importer, exporter, they are also private breeders of large
parrots. Their collection consists of the larger Macaws only, including
Hyacinth, Green Winged, Scarlet, Blue & Gold, Blue Throated,
Military, & Red Fronted. Their collection was housed in large
conventional cages with the walls being brick rendered, and the fronts
being of a very heavy gage wire mesh. They had a walkway down the
centre, and they were fully
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