Pepe: The Charismatic Cockatoo

Woburn's Cheekiest Cockatoo

Meet Pepe, a Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo! This 28-year-old parrot has been a beloved resident of Woburn since 1996. Known for his big personality, Pepe is known as the Park’s cheekiest bird. He loves interacting with his trainers and eagerly participates in training sessions where he learns various behaviours. Pepe’s bubbly nature shines through as he enjoys his habitat with plenty of fascinating enrichment, located behind the Birds in Action arena.

Pepe has mastered several behaviours including beak open, presenting his feet and opening his wings all essential for daily health checks. He shares a special bond with keeper Megan, often displaying excitement when she is around. Catherine Doherty, Head of Animal Encounters, shares, “It’s not always the keepers choosing their favourite animals; sometimes the animals choose them, and Pepe definitely chose Meg.”

Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are known for their stunning white feathers accented with sulphur yellow on their crests. They use their crests to communicate with other cockatoos, helping individuals recognise each other.

Parrots are social animals that usually form pair bonds. Pepe is bonded with Zowie, a 29-year-old Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. Unfortunately, Zowie’s species, native to Indonesia, is critically endangered according to the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) due to habitat destruction and the pet trade.

Pepe and Zowie share their home with four Macaws who can be seen in the Birds in Action free-flying demonstration. These include Wilma (a Green-Winged Macaw), Yo-Yo and Boomer (Blue & Gold Macaws), and Merlin (a Military Macaw) The birds' training mirrors behaviours they would exhibit in the wild, such as balancing and free flying. These natural behaviours are a highlight of the Birds in Action demonstration, so make sure to catch the show at 1 pm in the Foot Safari.

Supporting the parrots

Woburn's keepers support the World Parrot Trust, a conservation and welfare organisation dedicated to protecting wild parrot populations. The trust combats the illegal pet trade, deforestation, and cleans up habitats to keep parrots safe. Our dedicated keepers continue to raise funds and awareness for future projects with the World Parrot Trust.

Come and see Pepe and the rest of the feathered flock on your next visit to Woburn Safari Park!