Horrible and sad personal news
For anyone who knew her, Shiro the Umbrella Cockatoo, was a funny and fantastic friend. Intelligent, mischievous, and full of life, Shiro was my little bird who we gave to Doug Humphrey and became the mascot of Digex, which he co-founded. Shiro was loved by just about everyone, as only a cockatoo can be.
Shiro died this morning when a housekeeper used a teflon pan on high heat. As bird owners know, the fumes given off by non stick cookware are toxic to birds. Doug didn't have any in his house, and neither do I. The housekeeper brought her own pan it seems, with tragic results.
Shiro died in Doug's arms on the way to the vet. She was about 15 years old.
She will be sorely missed. Doug talks more about Shiro here .