When Tilly, a 16-year-old cockatoo, first arrived at the Parrot Garden at Best Friends Animal Society, staff quickly noticed he wasn’t like the others. While most parrots chattered, played, and engaged with people, Tilly stayed perched quietly, watching the world around him without participating.
“He was very shy and reserved when he came to us,” explained Jessica Hagedorn, a medical support specialist at the sanctuary. “He wouldn’t take treats, didn’t play with toys, and mostly just sat back to observe.”
Tilly’s hesitance suggested a past where he hadn’t experienced the comfort of consistent companionship or fun. Though he was safe now, it was clear he wasn’t sure whether to trust his new surroundings.
The Day Music Changed Everything
At Parrot Garden, staff often play music to help the birds relax. Usually, cheerful Disney songs or upbeat pop tracks bring the flock to life. But no matter what they tried, Tilly remained quiet and still.
Then, one day, everything shifted. A playlist featuring women pop icons from the 1980s filled the air, and something magical happened. Tilly perked up, his crest lifted, and he started to sway and dance.
Pat Benatar’s empowering anthems, the joyful beats of “It’s Raining Men,” and the sparkle of “Dancing Queen” all brought him alive. The timid bird who once only observed suddenly moved with energy, joy, and confidence.
“It was like seeing a whole new side of him,” Hagedorn said. “That music gave him courage and let him express himself in a way nothing else had.”
From that moment, staff began playing his favorite songs daily. While preparing meals or cleaning, they turned up the volume, and Tilly happily joined in, turning chores into dance parties.
From Shy to Social With the Help of Song
With his love for music discovered, Tilly slowly began to open up in other ways. He now enjoys sitting beside people, leaning in for gentle head scratches, and sharing quiet moments of connection.
Although he still values calm surroundings, he’s no longer just the quiet observer. Music gave him the push he needed to embrace companionship and trust again. His unique personality shines through every time he bops to the beat, reminding his caretakers how resilience often hides in unexpected places.
Hoping for a Forever Home That Loves Music Too
Now that Tilly is more confident, he’s ready to find a family who will appreciate both his gentle nature and his musical spirit. His rescuers believe the best home for him will be one without other parrots, where he can receive plenty of attention and patience.
But there’s one non-negotiable: his forever family must love ’80s women pop artists as much as he does. Music and dancing aren’t just hobbies for Tilly — they’re part of how he connects with the world.
Tilly’s transformation is a reminder of how small joys can unlock healing. What began as the story of a timid, uncertain cockatoo has become one of laughter, rhythm, and second chances. Soon, with the right family by his side, Tilly will keep dancing through life — proof that sometimes, all it takes to find your true self is the right song.
