It’s not just pet tortoises which can live a long time. Larger parrots can have a lifespan which is potentially similar to our own in domestic surroundings, with cockatoos tending to be amongst the long-lived members of the family.



One of the best-loved of all time was King Tut, a Moluccan or salmon-crested cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) who greeted visitors arriving at the San Diego Zoo, California. During his lifetime, he became the most famous and photographed parrot in the world, having been seen by literally millions of people. King Tut even starred in some Hollywood films as well. Brought to the zoo as a youngster in 1925, he lived there for 67 years, up until his death in 1992.




Now there’s another Moluccan cockatoo who may be set to overtake King Tut’s record. Pinky lives at Parrot Jungle in Miami, Florida. She too has met her share of celebrities and world leaders. Hatched in 1941, she entertained the famous British war leader, Sir Winston Churchill as a youthful five year old, when he visited the park while on holiday during 1946.

Currently aged 64, and without so much as a missing feather, Pinky still cycles regularly each day on her own special bike, as part of the Winged Wonders Show at the park. She has also seen the transformation of Parrot Jungle to Jungle Island. This came about following the park's move in 2003 from south of Miami to its present location on Watson Island, which is located between downtown Miami and Miami Beach.

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