The Red Siskin Soars: Now Officially a SAFE Species!

Recently, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) officially approved and published the first-ever 2026–2028 SAFE Red Siskin Program Plan on their SAFE species page. This plan outlines strategic objectives to save this endangered South American songbird, and reinforces the international partnerships key for achieving red siskin conservation.

For the past ten years, the Red Siskin Initiative has been advancing a comprehensive action plan aimed at securing sustainable wild populations. Our work has focused on multiple strategic pillars: understanding the species’ genetics and ecology, engaging communities, reducing demand for wild-caught birds, promoting bird-friendly habitats, and rescuing, rehabilitating, and breeding red siskins for future reintroduction. The approval of the SAFE Red Siskin Program Plan marks a pivotal moment — aligning international partners behind a shared roadmap and accelerating the next historic step in conservation: the release of red siskins back into the wild. With the support of our allied institutions, we are ready to move from preparation to restoration.

In October 2024, the Red Siskin was welcomed with pride as the 48th species in the AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program, an initiative that amplifies collective action to protect species at risk of disappearing forever. This recognition is a historic moment for Red Siskin conservation and opens exciting doors for deeper partnerships with zoos, conservation organizations, and supportive allies across the United States and beyond.

Being part of the SAFE program means that the Red Siskin’s story — its struggles, its resilience, and its hopeful future — will now reach millions of visitors at AZA-accredited institutions. Every visitor will have the chance to learn about the threats this species faces, the progress being made, and how we’re laying the groundwork for its long-term recovery.

Our SAFE Red Siskin team includes passionate leaders and institutions committed to real, lasting impact:

• Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — with Kathryn Rodriguez-Clark and Erica Royer as co-Chairs
• National Aviary — with Brianna Crane as Vice Chair
• Partner institutions include Zoo Miami, Zoo New England (Franklin Park Zoo), Tracy Aviary, Avian Preservation and Education Conservancy, Akron Zoo, Basel Zoo, Blank Park Zoo, Copenhagen Zoo, Houston Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and Woodland Park Zoo.

In Venezuela, the program is powered by Provita, led by Roxibell Pelayo as coordinator of the Red Siskin Initiative and supported by the entire RSI team, along with the Leslie Pantin Zoo, home of the Red Siskin Conservation Center of Venezuela.

Our deepest gratitude goes out to every individual and institution who helped make this dream a reality. From field teams and technical experts to dedicated partners working tirelessly both inside and outside Venezuela — this is truly a collective achievement. It reminds us that when we blend knowledge with passion and unwavering determination, we can rewrite the future of this unique species.

We warmly invite the public, our partners, and all supporters of biodiversity to join this journey: learn the Red Siskin’s story, share it, and help fuel the actions that will secure its future. The path toward the red siskin’s recovery continues — and every step forward is a reason to celebrate.

The Red Siskin’s flight toward hope has just begun!