Joey the Hero Cockatoo: Amersham’s Feathered Fire Alarm

The article recounts the extraordinary tale of Joey, a sulphur-crested cockatoo celebrated for his purported heroism during a devastating hotel fire in Amersham. Unlike a notorious parrot in a London pub, Joey's voice reportedly served a more critical purpose. In the early hours of December 14, 1935, a fire broke out in the lounge of the historic Crown Hotel. While no guests were staying, several staff members were asleep and their lives were soon impacted by the unfolding events.

According to contemporary reports, including one from the Oban Times, Joey, then over a century old, raised the alarm with his loud “screechings.” This cacophony roused the hotel chef, Mr. Rochester, who subsequently rescued two maids from an upstairs window. Concurrently, the manageress, Mrs. Horner, rushed barefoot to summon the fire brigade superintendent. Joey successfully alerted the humans before flying to safety, though two of the landlord's pet cats, one of whom was Joey's “inseparable companion,” tragically perished. All human occupants were accounted for, and despite significant damage, the Crown Hotel was eventually restored and reopened.

Joey lived on for several more years, reportedly reaching the venerable age of 118. His legacy as a “feathered fire alarm” was cemented as he was stuffed and displayed above the hotel bar for many years, later becoming a notable exhibit at Amersham Museum. However, the article introduces a layer of skepticism, revealing that Mrs. Horner, in a later report, claimed she was actually awakened by the sound of crackling and the sight of flames, rather than Joey's cries. This suggests the cockatoo's role might have been embellished for newspaper headlines. Regardless of the precise details, Joey's story remains a memorable local legend. The article also highlights Amersham as a charming destination, featuring the museum's Metroland exhibits and other quaint attractions like the Fair Organ Museum.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/museums-and-galleries/life-saving-cockatoo-amersham)