Snowball the cockatoo is a famous dancing cockatoo who became an internet sensation in 2007 when videos of him dancing to music were posted on YouTube. With his diverse range of dance moves and ability to keep to the beat of songs, Snowball charmed millions of viewers. But over 15 years have passed since he first became famous – so is this talented bird still alive today?
Quick Facts About Snowball the Cockatoo
– Species: Sulphur-crested cockatoo
– Born: 1996 (estimated)
– Home: Bird Lovers Only rescue center in Duncan, South Carolina
– Owned by: Irena Schulz
– Became famous: 2007 when dance videos went viral on YouTube
– Has a scientific paper published about him: “Spontaneous synchronization to music in a non-human animal”
Snowball’s Background
Snowball is a sulphur-crested cockatoo, a medium-sized species of parrot native to Australia and Indonesia. He was taken in by Irena Schulz, who runs the Bird Lovers Only rescue center in South Carolina. His exact origins before that are unknown, but he is estimated to have been born around 1996, making him over 25 years old now.
At the shelter, Snowball surprised Irena with his ability to dance to music she played. His favorite songs included “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen and “Everybody” by the Backstreet Boys. Sensing his talent, Irena began recording videos of Snowball dancing and posted them to YouTube in 2007.
The videos soon went viral, garnering millions of views. Snowball’s diverse dance moves, enjoyment of music, and lively personality made him an internet sensation. From head banging to high steps, Snowball could dance to beat perfectly. He became known as “the dancing cockatoo” entertaining people all over the world.
Snowball’s Fame
Snowball’s internet fame led to appearances on TV shows like The Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America, and more. In 2008, he was featured in a Taco Bell commercial. He continued dancing and delighting fans over the years in viral videos.
Researchers took interest in him as well. In 2008, scientists studied Snowball to try understanding his dancing ability, given that parrots do not have the same brain structures for musicality that humans do. In 2009, a scientific paper was published called “Spontaneous synchronization to music in a non-human animal” about him in the journal Current Biology.
Through analysis of his movements and the fact he could synchronize to a musical beat, they suggests Snowball shows that dancing to music may arise out of cognitive traits parrots share with humans. Snowball seemed to truly enjoy music and dancing, rather than just mimicking.
Recent Updates on Snowball
So with over 15 years in the limelight, where is Snowball the dancing cockatoo now? Fortunately, there are recent updates confirming that yes, Snowball is still alive and well today in 2022!
Irena Schulz continues to care for Snowball at her rescue center in South Carolina. She gave a home interview in 2021 showing Snowball dancing as vibrantly as ever at age 25. Videos posted in the past couple years show he still enjoys boogying down to his favorite tunes.
In 2019, a new scientific study on Snowball was published in the journal Cell Press. Researchers from the University of California San Diego conducted advanced neural analysis as Snowball danced to discover that he displays innate dancing ability, rather than just mimicking. This research further confirmed Snowball’s genuine talent.
Snowball’s Ongoing Legacy
Snowball continues to charm viewers old and new with his viral dancing videos. As of 2022, the original YouTube videos of him dancing have over 20 million views. Snowball has shown that parrots and other birds can have a natural appreciation of music and dance. He revealed cognitive skills in pets we often underestimate.
Snowball’s story highlights the value of rescue animals. If Irena Schulz had not generously taken him under her care, Snowball’s talents might never have been known. He has increased public interest in bird intelligence and animal cognition science. Researchers still study him for insights into neuroscience and behavior.
For over 15 years now, this one special cockatoo has entertained the masses with his quick feet and shimmying ways. Snowball’s enduring popularity proves he is a true internet legend. Thanks to caretakers and fans worldwide, his legacy lives on.
Snowball’s Current Habits and Lifestyle
At around 30 years old as of 2023, Snowball is reaching advanced age for a sulphur-crested cockatoo. But his caretaker Irena says he remains in good health and still dances whenever he hears music. He resides in a large aviary at the Bird Lovers Only rescue center, along with other parrot residents.
Snowball has access to toys, perches, and activities to keep him engaged. Irena makes sure he gets regular vet checkups to monitor his health over the years. Like many aging pets, Snowball can struggle with arthritis at times. However, his moves in recent videos show he still keeps up his chops.
In his senior years, his dance routines may not last as long as they once did. But Snowball still remembers all his old favorites. He livens up whenever the Backstreet Boys or Queen comes on!
Snowball enjoys interacting with the other parrots around him. Sharing their aviary space gives him important socialization and enrichment. Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a formulated pelleted diet, give him proper nutrition.
To keep Snowball active, Irena mixes up his routine with different toys, training games, and opportunities to dance. This mental and physical stimulation helps prevent boredom as he ages. Thanks to the attentive care he receives, Snowball remains joyful and animated despite being quite old for a cockatoo.
How Long Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos Live
Sulphur-crested cockatoos are a medium to large parrot species native to Australia and Indonesia. They are prized as pets for their intelligence and ability to learn and mimic sounds. However, they are also very long lived birds. So getting one requires a serious commitment.
The average life expectancy for sulphur-crested cockatoos ranges between 40-60 years. Some exceptional birds may reach 70+ years old. In the wild they face more threats, but can still live 20-40 years on average.
Captive cockatoos tend to outlive their wild counterparts significantly. Providing proper care with a balanced diet, spacious housing, vet checkups, and training can help them thrive. Their longevity gives many years to form strong bonds with owners.
The oldest known sulphur-crested cockatoo was named Major Mitchell. He reached an incredible age of 83 years old! Snowball, currently in his late 20s or early 30s, still has many more years of dancing potential based on his species’ lifespan.
While quite long-lived, sulphur-crested cockatoos require ongoing attention and care over their whole life. Their attachments and dependency on owners means re-homing adult birds can risk behavioral issues. Adopting a cockatoo is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
But for bird enthusiasts up to the task, they can be wonderfully affectionate and clever lifelong companions. Their natural curiosity and playfulness helps them continue learning as senior birds. Snowball clearly exhibits their potential to lead active later lives.
Snowball’s Role in Animal Cognition Research
Beyond internet fame, Snowball has contributed significantly to scientific understanding of parrot intelligence and animal behavior. His demonstrated ability to dance spontaneously with beat synchronization intrigued researchers.
In 2008, a scientific study analyzed videos of Snowball dancing and identified 14 unique dance moves he performed. They included moves like the “downward” and “headbang with lifted foot”. His rhythmic synchronization with music fascinated scientists.
In 2009, the formal study “Spontaneous synchronization to music in a non-human animal” published in Current Biology examined his dancing in depth. The researchers were Aniruddh Patel, John Iversen, Micah Rousel, and Margaret Hagmann.
They scientifically confirmed Snowball developed diverse synchronized dance movements without any training. Precise neural timing explained his ability to match music tempo and react to rhythm changes. This showed an underlying cognitive capacity for musicality.
The studies on Snowball provide evidence that dancing and music may involve brain mechanisms that evolved independently of human ancestry. Parrots like Snowball demonstrate how bird brains can coordinate perception and movement much like humans. Examining his neural processes continues advancing animal neuroscience discoveries.
Snowball’s contributions to science offer insights on the evolution of skills like creativity and synchronization. Analyzing his dancing has revealed surprising cognitive feats not expected in animals. This informs theories on the roots of music and dance in brain pathways across species.
Newer Footage of Snowball Dancing
Snowball first wowed viewers with his dancing skills over 15 years ago. But fortunately, there are plenty of newer videos showing him still has the moves in his advanced age!
In 2017, Irena Schulz posted a video titled “Snowball Still Got the Moves at Age 21!” It featured him dancing to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”. Snowball’s enthusiasm bopping his head and tapping his feet shows his talent endures.
An Anderson Cabot Center video from October 2021 has Snowball dancing to “Another One Bites the Dust.” He impressively performs his signature head banging and lifts his feet right on beat throughout the song.
In December 2022, Schulz shared a clip on Instagram of Snowball dancing to “Jingle Bell Rock” with lively wing and foot movements. Given he’s in his late 20s now, it’s delightful seeing him dance with such zeal.
These recent videos demonstrate Snowball remains an impressive dancing phenomenon even as a senior parrot. He still moves with precise synchronization, creativity, and pure enjoyment years after first becoming an internet sensation.
Conclusion
Snowball the cockatoo earned fame and scientific recognition for his ability to dance to music and synchronize his movements to rhythm. Videos of him dancing went viral on YouTube in 2007, and he continues to delight and intrigue viewers today.
Researchers studied his musicality to advance understanding of animal cognition. At 25+ years old, Snowball is still alive and dancing according to his current caretaker Irena Schulz. Though advanced in age, he remains active.
Snowball’s enduring popularity demonstrates how special birds like him capture our imaginations. His story shows the value of animal rescue and care. With ongoing attention and stimulation as he ages, it’s likely Snowball will continue dancing for years to come. He cemented his legacy as a talented, charismatic internet star.
