Kiosk cocky returns | Ipswich Pets | Animal and Dog News in Ipswich

BIRDY'S BACK: Cocky the cockatoo at Queens Park kiosk with owner Sharon Goodsir.

Damian Dunlop/ Queensland Times

VISITORS to the former Queens Park Kiosk were in a flurry last week over a missing cockatoo they had come to love and admire.

Cocky, the sulphur crested cockatoo, had made his home at the kiosk when owners Sharon and Kevin Goodsir took over the old eatery almost eight years ago.

But last week Cocky was moved while the owners relocated to the new kiosk across the road, creating a frenzy among locals who interacted with the cockatoo regularly.

Ipswich resident Lyn Walker, who was dining at the new cafe on Friday, was delighted when she discovered Cocky had returned.

“My grandchildren were up last weekend and asked where the cockatoo had gone because they missed him so much,” Mrs Walker said.

She said her two grandchildren, Dan, 9, and Charlotte, 6, who visit her about once a year from Mt Kembla in New South Wales asked straight away for the talking cockatoo when they visited the kiosk.

“Everyone will be so pleased that he is back,” she said.

Mrs Goodsir said Cocky had become a tourist attraction at the old kiosk and was glad the tradition could continue in the new location.

“Visitors to Queens Park and the kiosk all come to see him, all the time - sometimes they don't even come for the food, just to say hello to Cocky,” Mrs Goodsir said.

Cocky, an animated cockatoo who loves to speak and interact with the locals and tourists alike will continue the tradition of amusing tourists at his new home in a renovated bird cage outside near the deck of the new cafe.

“He says hello to the customers and sometimes he begs and says please when he wants something off their table,” she said.

“Tourists always come and ask if they can come and get their photo with him.

“People just love him so much and we are glad he can join us at our new kiosk now.”

The new Queens Park cafe was officially opened on Saturday and will trade from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 5pm on Sundays.