News Release

 

Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351,sondra.katzen@czs.org

 

September 24, 2017

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

NOTE: An image of the bronze statue of Cookie, a Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, may be downloaded here: 
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Chicago Zoological Society Unveils Bronze Statue of Cookie, a Beloved Cockatoo

 

Brookfield, Ill.—Today, September 24, in spite of the temperature topping 90 degrees, a small crowd gathered at Brookfield Zoo for the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue of Cookie, a Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, who died in August 2016. He was the last remaining animal from the original collection dating back to 1934.

The statue, which was sculpted by Dino Crisanti, is secured on top of a bench located outside the zoo’s Reptiles and Birds, where Cookie resided. On the bench is a plaque that reads “IN MEMORY OF ‘COOKIE COCKATOO’ 1933-2016 THE LAST REMAINING MEMBER OF BROOKFIELD ZOO’S ORIGINAL ANIMAL FAMILY.”

Over the years, Cookie developed quite a fan base and the zoo celebrated his birthday every June. Guests would mail him cards and bring him various toys and treats. Cookie, who lived well beyond the life expectancy for his species, arrived at Brookfield Zoo at the age of 1. In September 2014, Guinness World Records certified that Cookie was the oldest living parrot at that time.

“We hope the statue of Cookie will be enjoyed by Brookfield Zoo guests for many years to come,” said Tim Snyder, curator of birds. We thought it was an appropriate tribute to an animal who provided so many fond memories to guests of all ages.

 

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About the Chicago Zoological Society

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sondra Katzen
Director of Public Relations
Office: 708-688-8351
Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
E-mail: Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org

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