Costa del Sol
Beloved George the cockatoo dies at Roman Oasis after 40 years with Paul Hickling
Dear old George. A Roman Oasis favourite.
Credit: RO FB
Paul Hickling, long-time owner of the Roman Oasis in Manilva, has confirmed the passing of George, his Triton Cockatoo and constant companion for more than four decades. George left this world peacefully last night at around 8pm, bringing deep sadness to the family and to countless visitors who knew him on the Costa del Sol.
George stayed in fine fettle all day. He ate plenty of food and treats before spending hours in his favourite tree that looked over hole number six on the mini-golf course. There he held court, entertaining golfers who walked past in the usual cheerful way.
Kaat placed him in his cage during the early evening and gave him a crust from her sandwich, the treat he always enjoyed. She found him dead later when she went to lock up his room. Staff believe Father Time or a sudden heart attack took him, yet he departed surrounded by love.
Long life at the Roman Oasis
George enjoyed a full and remarkable life as part of Paul Hickling’s family of furry and feathered friends. No one knew his exact age when he first arrived, though estimates put him at 15 or 20 years old then. That means he may have reached his mid-fifties or early sixties. Everyone called him George for twenty years until the day he laid an egg and revealed HE was actually Georgina!
His playful character made him a firm favourite. George could mimic Paul Hickling’s voice so accurately that he once fooled Kaat completely. Thousands of customers met him every year at the restaurant, bar and mini-golf complex Paul built in the early 1980s near Sabinillas. The bird’s absence now leaves a huge gap in the household that also includes macaw Maverick and other pets.
Final tribute
George remained as beautiful in death as he was in life. Paul Hickling and Kaat will miss him deeply, as will the many regulars who stopped to chat with the Triton Cockatoo during their visits. His long years of company and entertainment will stay in the memories of all who knew the Roman Oasis.