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More Bird Info and Bird Trivia

Cookie* a Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo

Cookie (1933) is a male Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo residing at Brookfield Zoo, near Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is believed to be the oldest member of his species alive in captivity. Cookie was 77 years old in 2010, having significantly exceeded the average lifespan for his kind.

The next-oldest Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo to be found in a zoological setting is a 31-year-old female bird. She is located at Paradise Wildlife Sanctuary, England. Information published by the World Parrot Trust states longevity for Cookie’s species in captivity at 40–60 years.

Cookie is Brookfield Zoo’s oldest resident and the only surviving member of the animal collection.That’s from the time of the zoo’s opening in 1934. Cookie arrived from Taronga Zoo of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was in the same year and judged to be one year old at the time.

Cookie the oldest Cockatoo at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Lophocroa leadbeateri) also known as Leadbeater's Cockatoo or Pink Cockatoo in Brookfield Zoo. It is named Cookie and it is at least 77 years old.

Cookie was ‘retired’ from exhibition at the zoo in 2009. That following a few months of weekend-only appearances in order to preserve his health. It had been noticed by the staff that his appetite, demeanour and stress levels improved markedly when not on public display.

He now lives permanently in the keepers’ office of the zoo’s Perching Bird House. Even so, it has been stated that he may still make occasional appearances. Those veing for special events such as his birthday celebration, which is held each June.

Have you visited Brookfield Zoo and seen Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo?