PONSONBY PETS

PONSONBY PEOPLE & THEIR PETS

Diego is an African Grey parrot originating from Equatorial Africa, although he was hatched in exotic Whangarei. He is a well known face at New Leaf Kombucha, the only kombucha taproom in New Zealand - Diego works the Dolly Parton shift with the business owner Derek Hillen.

Where is Diego from and is there any history of his breed you’d like to tell us? Diego is a three-year old African Grey parrot, a parrot reputed to be the smartest of all the parrot species.

What are his favourite foods? He loves sunflower seeds and the odd finger.

We know he talks. How extensive is his vocabulary? Although still quite young, Diego talks a lot. He even has little conversations with himself. The latest one going through his little parrot head is this:

“Do you want a sunflower seed?” “No?” “Here you go!”

He seems clever - does he have any habits - good or bad? Diego has excellent personal hygiene and is constantly preening and grooming himself. He is always looking his best. One of his less desirable habits is his love of tearing into the local media. (We put newspapers on top of his cage and he always climbs up there). He will tear the paper into little pieces just to drop on the floor and watch us clean them up. Cheap entertainment but not appreciated, Diego!

We hear Diego likes a drive in your car - how far is he happy to go? Yes, Diego loves driving but he’s not very good at it, so I keep him in a pet carrier on the seat beside me. He would go driving all day if he had his choice.

Does he go on any sales trips or meetings? Diego is in the taproom with me all day and every day. We go home together at night and come to work together in the mornings. He joins all my meetings in the taproom and gives sage advice.

Does he have any friends, apart from me? Diego has a huge fan club among our customers and now even has his own Instagram account (@diego_the_kombucha_parrot).

He has also made friends with the local sparrows who dart into the taproom to eat whatever is under his cage (he’s a messy eater). When they land near his cage he cocks his head and looks down at them and often says, “Hello, Buddy!”  PN