Incas, the last known Carolina parakeet, lived her final days at the Cincinnati Zoo, where she drew attention due to her vibrant green plumage and friendly demeanor. The Carolina parakeet was once a common sight in the southeastern United States, characterized by its striking colors and social behavior, often spotted in large flocks. However, by the early 20th century, their numbers had dramatically decreased due to factors such as deforestation and excessive hunting for the feather trade. Captivity provided little solace for Incas, as she was the last of her kind, representing a tragic endpoint to a species that once flourished in the wild. Her death in 1918 was a significant moment for conservationists and highlighted the urgent need for protective measures for endangered species.

The Carolina parakeet was unique not only for its beauty but also for its role in the ecosystem, contributing to the seed dispersal of various plants. With their habitat continuously stripped away for agriculture and urban development, the parakeets could not recover their declining numbers. In the last few decades, efforts have been made to create awareness regarding biodiversity and the importance of protecting habitats, but Incas's demise reverberated as a cautionary tale about what can be lost if such issues are not addressed.

Following the death of Incas, the Carolina parakeet was officially declared extinct, marking an irrevocable loss to the world’s avian diversity. Conservationists began focusing on how to prevent similar fates for other endangered species, emphasizing the need for habitat preservation and legislative action to protect wildlife. Incas's legacy lives on as an emblem of the critical importance of conservation efforts, reminding us of the fragility of ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them.