When it comes to pets, few can match the antics of an umbrella cockatoo. Known for their intelligence, charm, and knack for mischief, they’re equal parts entertainer and troublemaker. And Julius, the umbrella cockatoo in question, has recently outdone himself by being caught red—well, orange—handed in the act of a snack heist. It started innocently enough: a forgotten bag of Cheetos left momentarily unattended on the kitchen counter. Julius, always observant and ever the opportunist, saw his chance. With the stealth of a jungle predator (and just as much determination), he climbed his cage, hopped onto the counter, and went straight for the prize. By the time his humans noticed the ruffling sound, Julius was fully immersed in his forbidden feast, a bright orange Cheeto firmly held in one claw. His feathers were dusted with cheesy residue, and his expression was a mix of triumph and, let’s be honest, guilt.

“Julius!” was the first shocked exclamation, followed by laughter. He froze for a moment, Cheeto still in his grip, as if considering his options. Would he drop the evidence or double down?

He chose the latter. With a defiant crunch, Julius bit into his ill-gotten treat, leaving his humans torn between reprimanding him and grabbing a camera to document the hilarity. While the photo of Julius with his orange-stained beak was priceless, his snack was quickly confiscated. After all, Cheetos are far from healthy for a bird, especially one as delicate as an umbrella cockatoo. Birds like Julius need a balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and specialized pellets—not processed snacks. Still, it was clear he had no regrets. Julius strutted back to his perch, feathers puffed out, seemingly proud of his latest escapade. Probably not—for Julius, anyway. Like most cockatoos, he thrives on curiosity and the thrill of bending (or breaking) the rules. For his humans, though, it was a reminder that leaving snacks unattended in a household with a clever bird is asking for trouble. Julius is back to munching on his healthy snacks, but his reputation as a snack thief lives on. And for those who know him, the image of a white cockatoo dusted in orange is sure to bring a chuckle for years to come.

So, the next time you’re enjoying your favorite snacks, remember: if you’ve got a bird like Julius around, you might want to keep them out of sight—or risk being part of their next big adventure!