He was believed to be the oldest member of his species alive in captivity, at the age of 82 in June 2015,[1][2] having significantly exceeded the average lifespan for his kind.

[5] The next-oldest pink cockatoo to be found in a zoological setting was a 31-year-old female bird located at Paradise Wildlife Sanctuary, England.

[3] Information published by the World Parrot Trust states longevity for Cookie's species in captivity is on average 40–60 years.

[9] Cookie was "retired" from exhibition at the zoo in 2009 (following a few months of weekend-only appearances) in order to preserve his health, after it was noticed by staff that his appetite, demeanor and stress levels improved markedly when not on public display.

He was moved to a permanent residence in the keepers' office of the zoo's Perching Bird House, although he made occasional appearances for special events, such as his birthday celebration, which was held each June.