Ambon, Maluku, Sept. 5 -- The Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has rescued ten black-capped lories (Lorius lory) from an attempted smuggling operation aboard the KM Dobonsolo vessel.

"During the operation, officers secured one cardboard box and five plastic containers with holes containing the birds," BKSDA Maluku Forest Ranger Arga Christyan informed here on Friday.

The birds were allegedly to be transported across several cities, from Jayapura, Sorong, Ambon, Bau-Bau, Makassar, and Surabaya to Jakarta. Following intensive coordination and public awareness efforts, the owner voluntarily handed over the birds to authorities.

According to Christyan, three of the birds were found dead, while the remaining ten were ali...