Five Hawaiian crows, known as alala, were released on Maui on Wednesday, marking the first time the species has returned to the island, conservationists announced.

The alala, last found in the wild on Hawaii’s Big Island, were declared extinct in 2002.

These intelligent and charismatic birds are the sole surviving Hawaiian crow species, threatened by habitat loss, predation, and diseases introduced by non-native species.

“The translocation of alala to Maui is a monumental step forward in conserving the species and a testament to the importance of partnership in reversing biodiversity loss,” said Megan Owen, vice-president of conservation science at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

The release is the culmination of years of collaborative efforts by organisations such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the University of Hawaii.

The five released alala—two females and three males—spent months in social groups at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centres to build strong bonds. They were carefully evaluated by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance for their ability to forage, respond to predators, and meet veterinary health standards.

“It means a lot to me to care for the alala,” Keanini Aarona, avian recovery specialist at Maui Bird Conservation Center, said in the statement. “To me, and in my culture, the alala are like our ancestors – our kūpuna. The forest wouldn’t be there without these birds.”

Between 2016 and 2020, 30 alala were reintroduced to the Big Island’s Puu Makaala natural forest reserve. Despite initial successes, their numbers began to decline, prompting a pause in reintroduction efforts and a return of the remaining birds to human care.

This latest release on Maui represents a renewed commitment to restoring the alala population and preserving this culturally and ecologically significant species for future generations.