This tribute to Polla shares the life, stories, and legacy of a beloved African Grey parrot.
A Farewell to a Family Legend
Today, I want to pay a small tribute to a little but loud family legend. After nearly 45 years, we must say goodbye to Polla, our ancient and almost consistently cantankerous African Grey parrot.
A Companion Across Generations
Polla was there the day I was born. Whenever I returned home to South Africa, he was always there. A familiar whistle and screech waiting to greet a long-lost buddy. I always believed he recognised me. We shared a bond forged through decades of mock fights, grapes, apples and even the occasional glass of Coca-Cola (he was never bothered with healthy foods).
Mischief, Mimicry, and a Sharp Beak
For decades, he called my name in my mother’s annoyed voice, perpetually causing confusion as to whether it was the bird or my mother calling me for some misdeed.
Like most African Greys, Polla was a predominantly hateful creature. Revelling in the opportunity to inflict a gaping wound on any unsuspecting passerby. He had a particular affinity for the tails of dogs and cats and for the fingers of those less versed in his sly body language, which would lure you in for a head scratch before he pounced at the least expected moment. As children, we giggled when he feasted on a chicken bone, getting a glimpse of his suppressed cannibalistic nature.
The Paradox of a Prickly But Beloved Bird
Yet, despite his thorny exterior, you came to love this strange creature, never quite knowing if he loved you back. He became a metaphor for stability, outliving every other pet we ever had. Memories of him dancing to Neil Diamond on vinyl or swinging like a monkey on his little wooden perch crept deep into our fondest memories.
Hearing my father’s whistle resound through the house, long after his passing. Perfectly mimicked by this deranged bird, is a strange and poignant thing to live through.
The Legend and the Lore
The legendary tales still linger to this day. Tales of how he was first found. Wild and crazed, on our parents’ balcony. How no pet shop perch could withstand his iron beak, forcing my grandfather to find some indestructible wood to foil his bite. For almost 40 years, he lived on a diet of rusks, sunflower seeds, and dried corn until a vet finally intervened and demanded a more respectable diet of fruits and vegetables, which he despised intensely.
Saying Goodbye After a Lifetime Together
It is sad to think that when I go home, he won’t be there. We shared our last grape and our last head scratch. Those familiar sounds have been silenced, and the tales of our legendary parrot will now live only as long as we tell them…
Loved, Feared, and Never Forgotten
Polla, you saw five generations of our family and were loved, admired, and feared by so many. You will be missed.
Rest peacefully now.
Thank you for reading this tribute…
🐾 Closing Reflection
Sharing or reading a tribute to a beloved pet is a powerful way to honour the deep bond we share with our animal companions. Stories like this remind us that their love continues to live in our hearts even when they’re no longer by our side.
If you’re grieving the loss of a pet, please know you’re not alone. You can explore more tributes in our Pet Tribute Gallery, or join our Facebook community for comfort and connection.
If you feel called to receive one-to-one support, you’re welcome to contact me to explore gentle pet loss support coaching.
✍️ Author Acknowledgement
This tribute was lovingly written and shared by John Pereira and remains their original work.
© 2025 John Pereira Published on Tails of Tribute. All rights reserved.
