"Much-loved" septuagenarian school parrot dies

Friday 19 March 2021

One of St Helier's most beloved residents has passed away.

Sim the Parrot, who lived at Rouge Bouillon school for over 20 years, died at the grand old age of 71.

Pictured: Sim was described as 'lighting up' the faces of students.

The multi-coloured Amazon parrot had initially lived in Briggs Toyshop in St Helier until it closed in 1988. After an island-wide appeal was launched to find him a new home, former Headteacher Wendy Hurford found him a new home at Rouge Bouillon school, where he lived until the end of his life, even surviving the fire of 1991.

As Sim celebrated his 70th birthday last year, it was clear what he meant to the pupils of Rouge Bouillon, with students talking about his "impressive" verbal ability to say hello to them, and Deputy Head Jess Doyle describing how when students saw Sim, their faces would "light up", and that talking to him helped them "to relax and settle into life at school."

Education Minister Jeremy Maçon paid tribute to Sim as he announced his passing this afternoon.

“I’m saddened to hear that Sim the parrot has passed away at the age of 71. He has been a much-loved member of Rouge Bouillon School for several decades, and has helped generations of students settle into school life. Older Islanders will also have fond memories of Sim from when he lived at Briggs department store," he said.

“I’d like to send my condolences to all the Rouge Bouillon students who have lost a very special friend today.”