Imagine running to the gas station to visit an exotic bird before you start your day. One social Cockatoo named Tiki has spent the last eight years hanging out with his dad at a Pennsylvania gas station every morning and people are obsessed!
In a July 21 TikTok video shared by @cbseveningnews , Tiki's daily visit to the local Wawa has employees and residents beaming. Watch their story below!
"A 28-year-old Cockatoo on the back of a pickup truck is a rare sight in most places — but not in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where his owner takes him to the Wawa daily to socialize," the caption says.
The clip shows 84-year-old Bill Wasson, a former Cockatiel breeder, who takes Tiki to the local Wawa to have a little time outside of the house. Bill grabs a coffee and newspaper while Tiki socializes with the people of Delaware County outside. They've been doing this daily ritual for 8 years, which includes sharing bread dipped in coffee with the Cockatoo before heading to a second Wawa location for a "change in scenery."
"He's like my son," he says. "You know. That's what he thinks. That I'm his dad."
Tiki has amassed many fans throughout the years, both local and those just passing through. Among those that commented, many note that Tiki is a legend in the making.
We already knew that birds make great pets for a plethora of reasons, but Tiki is an important staple in the community and it's clear why!
Related: Cockatoo Annoying His Cat Brother Is the Most Accurate Sibling
Can Cockatoos Drink Coffee?
Tiki and his dad have a morning ritual that includes coffee, but Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics says among the everyday items toxic for birds , coffee is number three, thanks to the caffeine. A few sips can be hazardous because it can cause increased heart rate, arrhythmias, hyperactivity and even cardiac arrest.
The site says to mostly stick to water or an occasional fruit drink like apple or cranberry. Others say, if you were to offer just a few sips every now and then, the coffee should be fully decaffeinated, though you should first seek your veterinarian's advice before giving it a try.
Coffee or no coffee, Tiki is a national treasure!
Most Popular
Comments / 0