Page 14 - Gateways_Winter2016-17

COOKIE continued in Mysore, India, who traveled to the throng of well-wishers. Even in his
Brookfield for the singular purpose of twilight years, he was a consummate
I had the honor of working with meeting Cookie.) This unparalleled showman, captivating visitors by
Cookie Cockatoo when I was a lead parrot received cards, letters, toys, and unfurling his resplendent crown of
animal care specialist in the Bird birthday gifts from friends near and far. crest feathers, bobbing up and down,
Department years ago. Cookie was and loudly chanting his own name.
particularly good at training new In 2009, animal care staff noticed
bird care staff. He had a reputation that Cookie’s appetite was more robust Cookie far surpassed the life expectancy
for letting new staff get confident and he seemed more relaxed when he for a Major Mitchell’s cockatoo thanks
in their skills, maybe overconfident, was off exhibit, so the decision was made to the premier care he received. Like
and then reminding them, in his to allow him a well-deserved retirement. elderly people, he endured osteoporosis,
not-so-subtle Cookie way, who He took up permanent residence in the
really was boss. After a few weeks staff office at Reptiles and Birds, Rest in peace, beautiful and beloved
of being docile and compliant, he where he enjoyed the constant doting of Cookie. My late husband and I
would arbitrarily give them a good those he knew so well. Never one to be always visited Cookie when he was
nip on the finger. Nothing serious, just idle, he enjoyed an array of enrichments on exhibit, and we were fascinated
a reminder. No matter how many to stimulate his mind and body. by his behaviors and antics. We had
times I warned new staff about wonderful conversations with him...
Cookie’s MO, they would always Each year, Cookie would continue to We never missed celebrating Cookie’s
sport a bandage, kind of a badge of make appearances before his fans during birthday at his annual parties, which
honor, after their first few weeks. his birthday party, which eventually had became even more special after he
to be moved outdoors to accommodate “retired” backstage. Cookie was the
Joan Daniels Tantillo, spiritual heart and soul of Brookfield
Associate Curator of Mammals Zoo as one of the original residents
and its longest-living animal, and
he remains an inspiration to all.

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Above: Brookfield Zoo guests gather to
sing “Happy Birthday” to Cookie. His birthday
celebration was a popular event for many years.

14 GATEWAYS | BYE BYE PRETTY BIRDIE