Cookie, a Major Mitchell's cockatoo, was a symbol of longevity at Brookfield Zoo near Chicago. He arrived in 1934 and became a beloved figure. Cookie was declared the world's oldest living parrot by Guinness World Records in 2015.
Born in 1933, Cookie lived an extraordinary life, captivating generations with his beautiful pink and white feathers. He was the last surviving member of the zoo's original animal collection. Cookie passed away at 83, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and compassionate animal care.
Cookie hatched at Sydney's Taronga Zoo and arrived at Brookfield Zoo at just one year old. He became more than just an exhibit; he was family. Major Mitchell's cockatoos typically live 40 to 60 years in captivity, but Cookie nearly doubled that.
In 2015, Guinness World Records officially declared him the oldest living parrot. Cookie's longevity amazed avian experts. In 2009, Cookie officially retired to a quieter life inside the zookeepers' office.
Zoo staff tried to introduce Cookie to a female companion in the 1950s, but he rejected her. He received endless love and attention from zookeepers and visitors. Cookie passed away on August 27, 2016, at the age of 83.
A memorial was built at Brookfield Zoo to honor his remarkable life. In 2020, a poetry collection inspired by his life was released. Cookie was a symbol of what compassionate animal care can achieve.