Cockatoo
Cockatoos (family Cacatuidae), are one of the 21 species of crested parrots (order Psittaciformes) found in Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
The key thing to know is that these long-lived parrots have lifespans that can outlive humans - I noticed this when we visited the San Diego Zoo and there were an unexpectedly large number of abandoned Cockatoos that were adopted mainly their lifespans can exceed 70 or 80 years.
This longevity means they often outlive their owners and require a long-term care plan.
Keeping a cockatoo as a pet can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with serious responsibilities.
Pros of having a Cockatoo as a pet
1. Highly Intelligent: Cockatoos are very smart and can learn tricks, mimic sounds, and solve problems.
2. Affectionate and Social: They form strong bonds with their humans and often enjoy cuddling and interaction.
3. Long Lifespan: With proper care, they can be lifelong companions, living 40–70+ years.
4. Entertaining Personality: They’re playful, curious, and full of character.
5. Beautiful Appearance: Their striking crests and bright plumage make them visually stunning pets.
Cons of having a Cockatoo as a pet
1. Extremely Needy: They require constant attention and can become depressed or aggressive if left alone for long periods.
2. Loud: Cockatoos are among the loudest parrots. Their calls can be piercing and frequent—often not apartment-friendly.
3. Destructive Behavior: Without enough stimulation, they may chew furniture, wires, or even hurt themselves.
4. Expensive and High Maintenance: They need a large cage, toys, regular vet visits (avian specialists), and a high-quality diet.
5. Long Commitment: Their lifespan means you're committing decades—similar to adopting a child.
6. Potential for Behavioral Issues: Screaming, feather plucking, and biting are common if they’re neglected or poorly socialized.
Comments
Great painting.
The quiet background is just right with the colours of the cockatoo! (An artist friend on WhatsApp)
Honestly they are like the recalcitrant teenagers of the bird world (A friend on WhatsApp)
Sad thing was when the owner passed away there was no one to talk to it and it plucked off all its feathers in frustration.
Not sure what happened to it after that
Dared not ask - Kieran
Was he perchance named Pascal?
Early mornings must’ve been a hassle
Woken up early by the King of the Castle
On a more serious note, cockatoos need a lot of attention because they are so intelligent. How I hate to see them caged 😱 - Kieran
My painting may be an African Grey parrot after all - Kieran
1. Ocean Quahog (Arctica islandica) – 500+ years. A species of clam found in the North Atlantic. One specimen named *Ming* was 507 years old.
2. Greenland Shark – Up to 400+ years. Native to the North Atlantic, this deep-sea shark is the longest-living vertebrate known.
3. Bowhead Whale – 200+ years. Found in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. Some individuals have harpoons embedded from the 1800s.
4. Galápagos Tortoise – 100–200 years. These giant tortoises are known for their slow aging and long lives in captivity and the wild.
5. Red Sea Urchin – 100–200 years. Found off the west coast of North America, some individuals have been aged at over 200 years.
6. Koi Fish – Up to 200 years. Most live 25–35 years, but some, like the legendary koi *Hanako*, reportedly lived to 226.
7. Tuatara – 100+ years. A reptile native to New Zealand that resembles lizards but comes from a unique lineage.
8. Turritopsis dohrnii (Immortal Jellyfish) – Biologically immortal. Can revert its cells to an earlier stage, potentially repeating its life cycle indefinitely.
9. Hydra – Potentially immortal. A microscopic freshwater animal that doesn’t show signs of aging due to constant cell regeneration.
Psst: Don’t tell DJT about 8 or 9, or else he’ll claim to be a direct descendant 😅
He used to ask himself questions and give the answers (taught by her, of course)..."Quem está aí? O papagaio real!" = "Who's there? The royal parrot!" 😁😁 (A dear friend on WhatsApp)