Louis (parrot) facts for kids

Louis was a famous parrot who lived in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He was a Blue-and-yellow macaw, known for his long life and unique story. After his owner passed away in 1949, Louis continued to live on her large property. His presence there actually stopped the land from being developed for many years!

Louis's Early Life and Home

Louis's owner was Victoria Jane Wilson. She was born in Victoria in 1878 to a wealthy family. Her father, Keith Wilson, worked at the Bank of British Columbia and also bought and sold land.

The Wilson family lived in a big, three-story house. When Victoria was just five years old, she received Louis as a pet. He was a beautiful Blue-and-yellow macaw.

A Mansion Full of Birds

Victoria loved birds very much. After getting Louis, she started collecting many other birds. Eventually, she turned the entire top floor of her mansion into a huge aviary, which is like a giant birdhouse.

In 1911, Victoria even asked her father to buy her a special electric car. She wanted to take Louis on short drives around town.

Louis's Life After Victoria

Victoria Wilson lived a quiet life with her many birds. She stayed in her family mansion until she passed away in 1949. She was 72 years old.

In her will, Victoria made sure her birds would be well cared for. She left a lot of money to look after her 53 birds. Her trusted gardener, Mr. Yue Wah Wong, was paid a good amount each month to be their caretaker.

Louis Becomes Famous

Louis became quite famous, even appearing in Life magazine in 1963. The article was called "The Old Bird Won't Sell." A writer named Russell Sackett had first written about Louis in 1957. He returned to Victoria to check on the parrot.

Sackett reported that Louis seemed to be doing very well with Mr. Wong. Louis enjoyed a diet of seeds, nuts, and fruit. He also liked special treats like hard-boiled eggs and walnuts.

Louis's Later Years

In 1966, the lawyer managing Victoria Wilson's estate officially gave Louis to Mr. Wong. Louis then moved to live with Mr. Wong and his family. Mr. Wong was very happy to have Louis.

Sadly, Mr. Wong passed away in 1967, not long after Louis moved in. However, Mr. Wong's family continued to care for Louis. Louis lived a very long life, passing away in 1985. He was over 100 years old!

Louis's Legacy

Because Louis moved, the Wilson property could finally be developed. In 1975, a hotel called the Chauteau Victoria was built there. It even had a restaurant on the top floor called the Parrot House, which was later renamed "Vista 18."

Today, Louis is seen as a local hero in Victoria. He is remembered for helping to preserve the city's history. A newspaper columnist once said that Louis was "a jewel in the city's crown." The top award from the Hallmark Society, which works to protect historic buildings, is even called the Louis Award. It's given for excellent work in restoring old buildings.

See also

• List of individual birds