“LOCAL legend” Koko the African grey sadly passed away last week, after bringing joy to Leith Walk for over 40 years.
Tributes have flooded in for the “beloved” parrot, who belonged to the owners of Dofos Pet Centre in Leith and had been passed down through three generations.
Locals have been mourning the passing of the “beloved little pal” who was the “highlight” of visiting Dofos.
Owners of the shop say the store feels “strange” without Koko, as they knew him since they were born.
Dofos Pet Centre announced the sad news last week, saying: “Unfortunately, earlier today, our beloved little pal Koko passed away.
“He has been part of our lives since we were born and he was such a special part of our team, always filling the shop with joy through his playfulness and antics.
“The store won’t be the same without him and his presence will be deeply missed.
“We will forever cherish the happy memories he gave us and the laughter he brought into our days.
“We’ll especially miss his little voice, as he spoke in our grandad’s voice who passed away two years ago.
“That familiar sound always made us smile, and its absence will be felt every day. Rest in peace, wee Koko”.
The post received 1,200 likes and over 100 comments from heartbroken Leithers as those who had met Koko couldn’t believe the news.
One user said: “So sorry to hear this, Koko is the reason I called my grey Coco as when I bought him from your mum’s shop in 1999 (sic).
“He lived up the stairs with your Koko for a few weeks.
“Glad Coco got to spend some time with him a few years ago in your shop on Leith Walk. Fly high Koko.”
Another commented: “Aw Koko you always made us smile and laugh, such a character will miss you, thinking of all at Dofos, rest in peace Koko.”
A third replied: “So sorry to hear this news. He’s a local legend and though he was a fair age I thought he’d be around for a long time to come but it’s one of ‘life’s’ certainties sadly.
“It’ll be very odd for all of you to be in the shop without him? He’ll be flying free in Parrot Paradise now. RIP Koko.”
A fourth commiserated: “Oh I’m in tears, I’ve known Koko since I was tiny.
“Always the highlight of visiting Dofos, always mind (sic) when he followed me around the shop and kept bowing his head to try and trick me into ‘petting’ when I knew it was a trap.
“Can’t lie, sometimes I would make an excuse to come into the shop just to come and see him. Going to miss his antics, sending love to you all.”
The shop, owned by brothers Ross and Craig, was bought by their grandparents in 1953, making it 72 years old.
Koko had been in the family since the brothers were born, and though his age is not certain they judge him to have been around 45 when he passed.
Co-owner Craig said today: “Originally he was my granddad’s, and after my grandparents retired, he stayed in the shop. We’re the third generation to run Dofos.
“I didn’t expect our post to get as many comments as it did, but it’s not too surprising as at any point that he was in the window at Leith, people would stop and look at him.
“He was always out of his cage and on his perch – he could fly but he rarely did, he just walked around the shop.
“The strangest part of all this is that the African grey doesn’t only copy what people say but they mimic people’s voices.
“We lost our grandad about two to three years ago and Koko used to speak in his voice. It’s strange not having that around anymore.”
