In Loving Memory of Polly, the Moluccan Cockatoo (~1940s - January 2, 2023)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Polly, the Moluccan Cockatoo. Polly was a beloved member of the Utica Zoo team and Education Program for 53 years. Many visitors and community members may recall meeting Polly during presentations at their school or seeing him enjoying lunch in the grass with Utica Zoo staff.

Polly was estimated to be between 70 – 80 years old, however due to a lack of standardized record keeping in the 1970’s, his exact age is unknown. Over the past few years, Polly was being monitored for age-related medical concerns by the Utica Zoo Veterinary team. As he continued to age, he was retired from the Ambassador Animal program and remained in the care of the Utica Zoo staff. Polly made the best of retirement, spending time during the day in staff offices, even chiming in on meetings and phone calls.

Join us in remembering Polly by looking at the memories down below. Additionally, consider donating to “Polly’s Fund” in order to help support the Utica Zoo’s Education Department, ZooMobiles, and various elderly animals who live here at the Utica Zoo! 

*Click the Image to Donate*

Memories of Polly

If you have any of your own stories, photos, videos, articles, or other items about Polly that you would like to share with us, please email them to chris@uticazoo.org! Upon Utica Zoo staff approval, we will add these items to this page to help us all remember Polly and what he meant to us as a community!

Photos of Polly Through the Ages

Articles and Letters About Polly

The Utica Zoo will close at 3pm on 12/31 and will reopen with normal hours on 1/1!