Hello my name
is Cocoa!
Psittacus Erithacus
I am a 65 year old African Grey Parrot. In my old age it was decided I needed a quieter lifestyle and some extra specialized care, so I was adopted by a volunteer.
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I may look all grey but I actually have a bright red tail! There are 2 species of African Greys, the Timnehs (who are a little smaller, a little darker, and have pale beaks) and Congos like me and my friend King who also used to live at The Aviary.
Likes
My food microwaved
Dislikes
Brooms and mops! I growl so they know I mean business
Fav Foods
Blueberries & Almonds
What I Can Say
I whistle and can quack like a duck!
About Me and Other African
Grey Parrots
My ancestors lived in Central and Western Africa, in lowland rainforests. African Greys are actually the biggest parrot in all of Africa! In the wild, many AGPs only live into their early 20s, whereas I, as a companion bird, will comfortably live 40-80 years.
We might not be as colourful as other parrots, but we are smart! AGPs are among the smartest birds in the world and are the best at mimicking human speech. Although, this doesn't mean every African Grey Parrot will talk. I, for example, enjoy chirping and whistling more than talking. Because of my older age I enjoy some special privileges like my food being microwaved for me!​​​​
Unfortunately, since everyone wants a talking parrot, many wild African Greys were illegally captured. From 1982 to 2001 over 1.3 million wild-caught Greys entered international trade. Of these birds 30-66% died before reaching the airport!
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Many wild AGPs also suffer from habitat loss. We like to nest in tall trees that are increasingly targeted by loggers, so often lose our homes for breeding. Due to these hardships, and for sometimes being killed for food, African Grey Parrots are considered an endangered species.
What I'm up to Now
I was adopted by a FOTA Volunteer!
In 2022 I moved from Oak Knoll Drive to live at a volunteer's home. Since then I have been doing very well and have lots of fun quacking, dancing, and spending quality time with my family.
