A beloved pet shop parrot which has delighted customers for decades has died.
Tommi the Congo African Grey parrot was a fixture at Birnie’s Pet Shop in Elgin for almost her entire life, singing and chatting to everyone who passed her cage.
But it is believed the 36-year-old bird suffered a heart attack or stroke over the weekend, after she was found dead in her cage on Sunday.
Owner Kerry Jane Birnie was too upset to speak yesterday, but posted a loving tribute to the parrot on social media.
She said: “We’re both completely heartbroken, shocked, numb, and at a total loss.
“Trying to take some comfort at seeing her being her usual chipper self on Saturday, being a proper sook with me, whispering, mocking my laugh, and trying to bite Birnie for no good reason like she always has – a loveable gorgeous swine to the end.
“She serenaded us like she always did as we left on Saturday, whistling her tunes.
“Tommi truly was the most beautiful, charismatic, entertaining enigma of a bird, the shop just won’t be the same without her.”
African Grey Parrots are a highly intelligent species and can mimic speech. They can live up to 60 years when in captivity.
They are a popular pet in the UK and have featured in numerous viral videos due to them being able to copy noises in their environment and then repeating them.
Tommi was a sociable and happy bird, and was a popular feature of the pet shop.
Jillian Beattie Baird posted: “We have three generations in our family who all knew & loved Tommi. So sad to hear this.”
Sarah Duncan wrote: “Such sad news. She was such a character. We always popped in to see her… she will be sorely missed.”
