In the heart of Brookfield Zoo near Chicago, a small parrot named Cookie became a beloved symbol of resilience, history, and companionship. Cookie, a male Major Mitchell’s cockatoo known for his beautiful pink and white feathers, lived an extraordinary life that captivated generations. Born in 1933 and arriving at the zoo in 1934, he became the last surviving member of its original animal collection. He witnessed the transformation of the zoo across eight decades.Cookie not only lived through decades of change but also made history by becoming the world’s oldest living parrot, reaching the age of 83. His story is one of care, endurance, and a unique bond with humanity.
Cookies’ journey: Born in Australia, raised in America
Cookie hatched on June 30, 1933, at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. Just one year later, he boarded a ship bound for Illinois to become part of the brand-new Brookfield Zoo, which opened in 1934. At just a year old, he was among the zoo’s first animals — and by the time he died, he was the last living member of that original group. From a hatchling in Sydney to a legend in Chicago, Cookie’s journey was truly global.
For decades, Cookie remained a quiet, colourful presence at the zoo. He became more than just an exhibit, he was family.
A Parrot who rewrote the record books
Major Mitchell’s cockatoos typically live 40 to 60 years in captivity. Cookie didn’t just beat that average — he nearly doubled it. In 2015, Guinness World Records officially declared him the oldest living parrot in the world. No other pink cockatoo came close; the next-oldest known one in a zoo was only 31 years old. . His exceptional age became a beacon of hope and curiosity for avian science.
Cookie’s longevity amazed avian experts, especially considering that the first 40 years of his life were spent on a seed-only diet, something we now know can lead to health problems in birds.
Image credits: Brookfield Zoo
Retirement and special treatment
Like any ageing star, Cookie eventually stepped away from the spotlight. In 2007, he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, both common in older animals. Zoo staff also realised that Cookie’s appetite and mood improved when he was away from the public. His comfort became the zoo’s top priority.
So in 2009, Cookie officially retired. He moved into a cosy room inside the zookeepers’ office in the Perching Bird House, where he enjoyed a quieter life and made only rare appearances, most notably for his birthday parties, where fans and staff alike came to celebrate the feathered celebrity.
A solo bird with a big personality
In the 1950s, zoo staff tried to introduce Cookie to a female companion. But Cookie, always opinionated, rejected her. As keepers put it, “She was not nice to him.” Cookie spent his life alone but never lonely. His comfort became the zoo’s top priority.He received endless love and attention from zookeepers and visitors who saw him not just as a bird, but as a legend.
Cookie’s sense of personality, charm, and resilience made him one of the zoo’s most adored animals. When he passed away on August 27, 2016, at the age of 83, it felt like the end of an era. The following year, a memorial was built at Brookfield Zoo to honour his remarkable life.
His story lives on
Cookie’s legacy didn’t end with his passing. In 2020, author Barbara Gregorich released Cookie the Cockatoo: Everything Changes, a poetry collection inspired by his life. Through her words, new generations can meet the parrot who taught us so much about longevity, love, and care. His legacy continues to inspire compassion and curiosity in young minds.
More than just a record-breaker, Cookie was a symbol of what compassionate animal care can achieve. His long, happy life reminds us that every creature has a story worth telling — and remembering.