Robert Irwin has introduced his Instagram followers to Occa, a sulphur-crested cockatoo who was one of Steve Irwin’s favorite animals.
At a Glance
- Occa is roughly 60 years old and has lived at Australia Zoo “for ages”
- Robert shared a clip of Steve introducing Occa decades earlier
- The cockatoo happily “jumped” with Robert and gave kisses on camera
- Why it matters: Fans see a living link to Steve Irwin’s legacy through Occa
The wildlife conservationist posted the video on January 20, showing the iconic bird perched on his arm. “Say ‘hi,’ Occa,” Robert prompts, and the cockatoo responds with a clear “hi” before delivering a string of affectionate kisses.
Occa’s Long History at Australia Zoo
Occa’s age-about 60 years-makes him one of the zoo’s elder statesmen. Sulphur-crested cockatoos typically live:
- 20-40 years in the wild
- 70+ years in captivity
“He’s been here for ages! We absolutely love him,” Robert says in the video. “He was also one of my dad’s very favorite animals, and he’s an absolute icon. Aren’t you, mate?”
The bird’s bright yellow crest, stark white body, and distinctive black hookbill make him instantly recognizable.
A Nostalgic Look Back
Midway through the post, Robert cuts to vintage footage of Steve Irwin introducing Occa and his female companion, Whitey. Steve explains the simple way to tell them apart: males have black eyes, females have red eyes.
The old clip shows Steve’s trademark enthusiasm as he handles the cockatoos, echoing the same energy Robert now brings to his own conservation work.
Playful On-Camera Moments
Occa appeared in high spirits during filming, happily “jumping”-a small hop generated by flapping his wings-while Robert held him. The conservationist offered praise: “You are very handsome. You are very handsome.” Occa responded by stretching his bill upward, seemingly aiming for another kiss.
Fans last saw a sulphur-crested cockatoo-widely assumed to be Occa-earlier in January when Robert returned from his Dancing with the Stars victory. In that video, Robert introduced his Mirrorball Trophy to a koala, a snake, and the curious cockatoo, who tried to bite off one of the trophy’s decorative letters.
Occa’s Place Among the Zoo’s Cockatoos
Robert has featured other sulphur-crested cockatoos at Australia Zoo in previous social media posts. In a March 2024 TikTok, he highlighted their intelligence and their tendency to chew “absolutely everything” within reach.
The species is known for:
- Exceptional vocal mimicry
- Strong pair bonds
- A mischievous habit of dismantling objects
Occa’s long tenure at the zoo and his connection to Steve Irwin make him a living bridge between generations of wildlife lovers. For many followers, seeing Robert interact with Occa offers a poignant reminder of Steve’s enduring legacy and the continuation of his mission to celebrate and protect wildlife.
