The Flight of Cornelius Cockatoo
A Fable for Children and Adults
This story, by Stewart Metz, with illustrations by Joan Tilke, describes the adventures of Cornelius (aka “Corky”), a young Salmon-crested cockatoo, who is sent to America by his parents to avoid ‘The Menace’ (a threat to all cockatoos on Seram). While in the U.S., Corky meets a number of weird and wonderful creatures and people until he is called back to Seram to face an emergency. This 103-page book is written largely for children in the 7-12 yr. age range. However, it is also fit for reading by adults, either to themselves or to their younger children. Although it is fundamentally a light-hearted work of fiction, there is an overtone of the serious and even the tragic, since the story is based on fact.
We hope that both children and adults enjoy reading “The Flight of Cornelius Cockatoo,” while at the same time learning more about a real-life tragedy which threatens the very survival of these magnificent creatures.
A portion of any proceeds will be donated to the Indonesian Parrot Project to promote the conservation of Salmon-crested Cockatoos like Cornelius, as well as other endangered Indonesian parrots.
The Joan Tilke Batik Gallery
Each of these magnificent batik designs was created expressly for the Indonesian Parrot Project by Mrs. Joan Tilke, who received training in classical Batik artistry while living in Indonesia. Each depicts a different scene or concept central to the theme of conservation of Indonesia’s parrots and cockatoos.
Seram Sunset
This batik depicts Seram cockatoos flying between the earth and the heavens. After death, their souls return in the incarnation of fireflies. After death, their souls return in the incarnation of fireflies.
Treasures of the Forest
“Treasures of the Forest” depicts Seram cockatoos – the ‘Hidden Treasures of Indonesia” – feeding on local fruits amidst local flora of Manusela National Park on Seram.
The Gathering
The Gathering depicts four Seram cockatoos, surrounded by other lories and parrots of the Moluccas. It is set in a lush forest, with the small town of Masihulan, on Seram, visible in the lower left.
Cockatoo Pride
Cockatoo Pride was created by Joan expressly for children, as part of our Conservation-Awareness-Pride Program. It focuses on the Seram cockatoo. It focuses on the Seram cockatoo.
Kembali Bebas
Our Kembali Bebas batik shows Seram cockatoos looking down on the Kembali Bebas Rehabilitation Center and Sanctuary, from which captive wild cockatoos are being released back into the forest.
Moluccan Mandala
Original Batik designs by Mrs. Joan Tilke evoke the spirit and joy of the birds of Indonesia. Original Batik designs by Mrs. Joan Tilke evoke the spirit and joy of the birds of Indonesia.
Stories
Please enjoy these great stories about the Cockatoos whose futures are brighter – all because of your commitment to our cause.
Anak Berani
This is the story of the rescue of a chick who fell from a nest and was saved in April 2014.
15 Year Anniversary
Saving the Abbotti Cockatoos – What Happened After the Cockatoo Water Bottle Tragedy
Few and Far Between
Saving the Yellow-crested Cockatoos and Interview with conservation Hero – Stewart Metz
