If there’s one thing Julius, our spirited umbrella cockatoo, loves, it’s a challenge. And recently, he’s taken on a new “opponent” that keeps him endlessly entertained: an innocent plastic cup. What started as a simple toy has now become Julius’s favorite target for, well, complete and utter destruction.

The minute I hand him a cup, Julius’s eyes light up with mischief. He grips it with his claws, tilts his head, and examines it from every angle, as if plotting his approach. Then, with a gleeful squawk, he goes to work, biting down and testing the cup’s strength. Within seconds, tiny beak marks start to appear, and pieces of plastic are sent flying as he proudly dismantles his “prey.” Watching him work is like watching a little construction crew all in one bird. He grips the cup, chews with total determination, and occasionally tosses it around, as if saying, “Let’s see how tough you really are!” At one point, he even tries to balance it on his head, only to toss it off with a little shake and dive right back in. Of course, after a few minutes, the cup is barely recognizable. Bits and pieces are scattered everywhere, and Julius looks around, clearly proud of his masterpiece. He fluffs up his feathers and lets out a triumphant squawk, as if declaring victory over his latest conquest.

It might seem like a small thing, but Julius’s love for destroying cups is a reminder of his vibrant, curious nature. For him, it’s more than just play — it’s a chance to explore, experiment, and have a bit of wild fun. Here’s to Julius, our tiny tornado of feathers and beak, and the cups that don’t stand a chance against him!