The Real Zoo had a blind Cockatoo named Cookie, who did not live in a cave. In one of our discussions I mentioned The Incident of the Blind Cave Cockatoo.
I should add that in those days I, Paul, and our supervisor Richard were the three people with the responsibility to teach the flock of (often remarkably naive– remember “special bonds” below) volunteers natural history…
Paul responded:
“I don’t recall Blind Cave Cockatoos, but I can easily picture Richard, or maybe even me, telling people that Cookie is one of those fabled birds. I always admired Cookie the cockatoo- especially when he loudly told KM [we do NOT do names of the innocent or guilty here!–SB] to get f***ed, over the PA in front of a zillion cub scouts, at the Topsfield Fair. Hilarious. Will give details later, if you want.”
I answered: “That story is all yours, Paul.
“Blind Cave Cockatoos” was ME, though Richard was there and I think you were. It was Educate The Volunteers time and some little Buffie asked me if ALL Cockatoos were blind. Without blinking I answered “Yes, Buffie. They live in caves. That’s why they are white, like cave fish. They search for their food under stones…”
“I don’t know how long I might have gone on but Richard bellowed “BODIOOOO!!!!”
“He WAS laughing though.
Paul has the last word:
“Ahh. Yes, I can picture you doing that. What’s more, I love your use of the name “Buffie”. I immediately picture the sweet little pig-tailed freckled darling, who signs her name with a cute little heart over the “i” instead of a dot.
“Reminds me of another sweet young thing who was hired at a pet shop I sometimes visit. I went in, box in hand, and gave it to her with my request of “about 50 crickets, please”. She had such a cute little puzzled look when she said…. We…. but we…. only sell them by the dozen”.