One of the best-loved residents at Sewerby Hall and Gardens Zoo has died after an untreatable illness, leaving staff and visitors mourning the loss of a feathered favourite.
Eckie, the charismatic male Eclectus Parrot who delighted visitors with his Yorkshire-accented phrases and colourful personality, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, after being diagnosed with a large liver tumour.
Zoo staff said they had noticed over the past couple of months that Eckie was no longer his usual chatty self and had begun spending more time indoors. He was referred to a specialist avian vet for a series of examinations, including X-rays, which revealed the tumour. Sadly, the condition was untreatable.
Following the diagnosis, Eckie returned to Sewerby Hall and Gardens Zoo where he received palliative care from his devoted keepers, who ensured he was comfortable and surrounded by familiar faces during his final weeks. He also enjoyed spending precious time with his partner, Nellie, who arrived at the zoo last year.
Eckie died peacefully while being cared for by the Head Zoo Keeper John Pickering along with the Assistant Head Zoo Keeper.
The much-loved parrot had been part of the Sewerby family for 14 years after being rehomed in exceptional circumstances. Although his exact age was unknown, he was already an older bird when he arrived.
Over the years he became one of the zoo’s most recognisable and popular residents, famous for greeting visitors with “Hello Eckie” and asking “What ’ya on about?” in a broad Yorkshire accent. Away from the public, he was equally well known for flying into the zoo kitchen to “help” prepare food – and steal the occasional treat.
His companion, Nellie, has even learned some of Eckie’s favourite phrases and can now be heard saying “Hello Eckie”, a touching reminder of the bird who entertained thousands of visitors during his time at Sewerby.
In a heartfelt tribute, zoo staff described Eckie as being deeply loved by both keepers and visitors, adding that he would be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
The zoo has invited visitors to share their favourite memories and photographs of Eckie on its social media pages as a lasting tribute to one of Sewerby’s most memorable and much-loved residents.
