O, Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?

Words and photos: by Kate Flack

Article Category: Pet of the Month Leave a Comment

When Matt’s then-girlfriend wanted to go all out for Valentine’s Day several years ago, she spoke of grand gifts — a large flat-screen TV and Playstation were what she had on the brain. Unlike the typical guy, Matt could really care less about such luxuries. He doesn’t watch TV. He doesn’t play video games. He does, however, possess an affinity for large birds, having grown up with them as a child. The two set off for a bird store in Cocoa Village and instantly fell for Romeo, a striking white Moluccan cockatoo with a salmon crest. It was love at first sight.

When I arrived to meet Romeo, he had the same effect on me. He greeted me with “Hello,” and as I nervously giggled when he climbed up my arm to my shoulder, he joined me with his own cackling laughter. Romeo is definitely a charmer, and his talents and charisma don’t stop there. He dances on command (what woman wouldn’t love such a guy?), he absolutely loves to snuggle and he frequently says “I love you.”

The 6-year-old affectionate cockatoo also has great taste in social activities. He’s been to our beaches, enjoys boating through our local river systems, and has even hosted a short-lived but not-so-long-forgotten monthly parrot social at Fishlips’ outdoor bar. Bird owners would enjoy a free beer while their feathered friends would enjoy mashed potatoes.

Romeo has a long life of love and laughter ahead of him. He is likely to live another 60-plus years and has many in line for his guardianship should Matt make it to the pearly gates before him. Ownership of a Moluccan cockatoo is not just a long-term commitment, it requires at least 4 hours of attention daily to keep such a guy happy. If neglected or just not properly cared for, Romeo would easily become depressed, grow excessively loud and resort to plucking out his feathers.

But we don’t see that happening anytime soon.