Cookie, an at least 83-year-old cockatoo and one of Chicago’s best known zoo animals, died over the weekend at Brookfield Zoo, the zoo announced Monday.
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Chicago Zoological Society official Michael Adkesson said Cookie’s health abruptly declined Saturday, leading to the decision to euthanize the bird.
Cookie, who held the Oldest Parrot Living record, lived at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo and had been there since it opened in 1934.
In addition, in 2008, local artist Mr. Nicky wrote a song for Cookie to honor his 75th birthday. Cookie had many fans and received many cards, letters, toys, and pictures from admirers around the world. Adkesson says Cookie suffered from numerous same ailments humans face as they get older. There he enjoyed the constant companionship of the staff he knew so well, according to the release. Staff also periodically posted video and photos of Cookie interacting with some of his favorite caretakers.
The press took note, too, often covering the zoo’s annual birthday celebrations for the parrot.
The society is setting up a memorial fund at CZS.org/Cookie for those who would like to make a donation in memory of Cookie.
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Even in his final years, Cookie still had the handsome plumage characteristic of his species, with pink feathers on the head and neck, white on the body and a red-and-white crest atop his head. Since being transferred to Brookfield at age 1 from a zoo in Australia, the bird was a hit with visitors, especially as his age started making headlines.
