Louis (parrot) facts for kids

Louis was a famous Blue-and-yellow macaw parrot from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He lived an incredibly long life, possibly over 100 years. Louis became well-known because he continued to live in his owner's mansion for many years after she passed away. His owner's will made sure he was well cared for, which also meant her valuable property could not be sold or built on for a long time.

Louis's Early Life and Home

Louis was born in South America sometime between 1860 and 1880. He was a type of parrot called a Blue-and-yellow macaw, known for its bright blue and yellow feathers.

Louis became the pet of Victoria Jane Wilson when she was five years old. Victoria was born in 1878 in Victoria, British Columbia. Her parents were wealthy. Her father, Keith Wilson, managed a bank and also bought and sold land.

The Wilson family lived in a large, three-story mansion. Victoria loved birds very much. After getting Louis, she started collecting many other birds. She even turned the entire top floor of their mansion into a special bird home called an aviary.

A Parrot's Special Ride

Victoria loved Louis so much that she wanted to take him on drives. In 1911, she asked her father to buy her a fancy electric car. It was a Hupp-Yeats electric car. She used this car to take Louis on short trips around town.

Victoria lived a quiet life with her many birds in the mansion. She stayed there until she passed away in 1949 at the age of 72.

Louis's Caretaker and Fame

Victoria Wilson's will was very detailed. It made sure her 53 birds would be looked after. She left a large amount of money for their care. Her trusted gardener, Mr. Yue Wah Wong, was paid $250 a month to be the birds' caretaker. This amount would be like $2,700 today.

Louis became quite famous. In 1963, Life magazine wrote an article about him. The article was titled "The Old Bird Won't Sell." The writer, Russell Sackett, had first written about Louis in 1957. He returned to Victoria to check on Louis. Sackett reported that Louis seemed to be doing very well under Mr. Wong's care.

Louis was known for eating a typical parrot diet of seeds, nuts, and fruit. He also enjoyed hard-boiled eggs and walnuts.

New Home and Legacy

In 1966, the lawyer handling Victoria Wilson's estate decided to transfer ownership of 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.

Mr. Wong's family continued to care for Louis. Louis lived with them until he passed away in 1985. He was over 100 years old, which is a very long life for a parrot!

Louis moving out of the mansion allowed the property to be developed. In 1975, the Chauteau Victoria hotel was built there. It even had a restaurant on the top floor called the Parrot House, later renamed "Vista 18."

Today, Louis is seen as a local hero in Victoria. He is remembered by people who work to protect the city's old buildings and history. A newspaper columnist once said Louis was "a jewel in the city’s crown." The top award from the Hallmark Society of the Capital Regional District is even named the Louis Award. It is given for excellent work in restoring historic buildings.

See also

• List of individual birds