Churchill parrot soldiers on at ripe old age of 104

9:34am Friday 23rd January 2004

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Winston Churchill's favourite pet Charlie the parrot is still alive and well, despite the fact she is now 104 years old.

The blue and gold macaw is believed to be Britain's oldest bird, and despite previously living in the prestigious locations of her former owner, Charlie seems quite contented in her present home, Heathfield Plant, Shrub and Tree Nursery in Reigate.

Charlie's present guardian is the nursery's owner Peter Oram, who said his father-in-law originally sold the bird to Mr Churchill from his pet shop Dabners in Croydon.

When the former Prime Minister died in 1965, the bird was given back to the pet shop and has been with Peter for more than 40 years.

She is now a popular attraction at the nursery where she has been for 12 years, and despite her shabby chest, Charlie looks remarkably well for her age.

Sylvia Martin, manageress of the nursery, said: "Her feathers are coming through on his chest but she plucks them out before they grow because they are very itchy.

"She is very popular though, and people come to the nursery just to see her."

The World Parrot Trust is hoping to use Charlie in the bid to raise awareness about the threat of extinction of particular species of parrot.

There are only five other blue and macaw parrots left in the world at present.

If you would like make a contribution towards the trust visit www.worldparrott trust.org.