Skip to Content

84 Year Old Parrot Found a Home in the Netherlands During WWII

Koko resting.
Parrot resting on a perch. Image by @parrotsbyash via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/parrotsbyash?igsh=cDJ1MjhtNTE2OW1

Meet Koko, the 84-year-old Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot who has lived in the Netherlands since World War II! Parrots can have long life spans, but Koko is among the oldest. Let’s learn more about this wise old bird!

Koko Finds a Home

Before he ended up at his current home, Koko unfortunately faced some mistreatment and moved around from home to home. Consequently, he could be pretty aggressive and wasn’t a very friendly bird. However, when he found a loving home, Koko began to trust him and grew into a very kind, good-natured parrot.

A Senior Bird

Koko on his perch.
Koko on his perch. Image by @parrotsbyash via Instagram

Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots have a long lifespan, often living up to 40-50 years with proper care. So, for Koko to reach 84 years old is a very impressive feat. It’s amazing to think that he was born before all of my grandparents! Living such a long life requires a long-term commitment from their owners, so Koko is lucky to have found a good family.

Daily Life as a Senior Bird

Parrots are mischievous creatures that require a lot of play, and this is true for Koko too. However, as he grows older, Koko also needs more rest as he tires quickly. Due to an infection, Koko is also blind and has one eye, but he likes to listen to his friends and still enjoys playing with them.

More About Koko’s Species

Koko has red, yellow, and green feathers.
Koko has red, yellow, and green feathers. Image by @parrotsbyash via Instagram

Koko is a Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot, which typically has a bright green body with a distinctive blue patch on their forehead. They also feature yellow markings on their face and red on their wings. As you can see, their vivid colors make them one of the most attractive parrot species. Now, let’s look into some more facts about these animals.

Habitat

These parrots are native to the forests and savannas of South America, particularly in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. They thrive in a variety of habitats, from tropical rainforests to dry woodlands. In the wild, they are often found in flocks, so it is good for them to have friends even when domesticated.

Diet

Checking Koko's heart.
Checking Koko’s heart. Image by @parrotsbyash via Instagram

In the wild, these parrots eat a varied diet of fruits, seeds, nuts, and vegetation. As pets, they should be fed a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Notably, avoid feeding them avocado, chocolate, and caffeine, as these are toxic to birds.

Personality

Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots are known for their playful and social nature, as is clearly reflected in Koko. They love to interact with their owners and can be very affectionate. However, they can also be quite noisy and mischievous, requiring lots of attention and stimulation.

Talking Ability

Koko smiles for the camera.
Koko smiles for the camera. Image by @parrotsbyash via Instagram

These parrots are excellent mimics and can learn a wide range of words and phrases. Their talking ability makes them popular pets, as they can provide hours of entertainment. Consistent training and social interaction help them develop their vocabulary.

Training

Training a Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot requires patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, works best. Additionally, they can learn tricks, commands, and even how to talk with proper training.

Housing

Koko resting.
Koko resting. Image by @parrotsbyash via Instagram

A spacious cage is essential for these active birds. They need plenty of room to move around and spread their wings. Moreover, providing perches, toys, and climbing structures can help keep them entertained and healthy.

Health Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining a parrot’s health. This is because they can be prone to respiratory issues, obesity, and feather plucking if not properly cared for. A balanced diet, a clean environment, and mental stimulation are key to their well-being.

Conclusion

Koko playing with his toy.
Koko playing with his toy. Image by @parrotsbyash via Instagram

Koko is an amazing Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot who is living a great life in his old age. He represents his species well and is a great grandfather figure amongst birds. It is important to care for and protect all of these beautiful parrots like Koko.