Cockatoo Philadelphia
Cockatoos are popular birds in aviculture, but their needs are difficult to meet in captivity. Several species of cockatoo have been depleted in the wild due to illegal trade in birds for pet and food.
Computed tomography of a 34-year-old greater sulfur-crested cockatoo demonstrating proliferative neoplasm in the lateral aspect of the left globe (arrows). The scleral cartilage is not visible.
Food
Located on 13th Street between Walnut and Locust, Cockatoo opened in February and is run by Ram Krishnan and Akshay Kamath. Its fruity drinks, Latin-inspired food and regular drag performances are meant to bring new people to the neighborhood. The owners hope the bar will help rid Philadelphia’s Gayborhood of racism that has plagued its nightlife scene since at least the 1980s.
The cockatoo is the only member of the monotypic genus Cacatuidae and, along with the cockatiel, the most popular bird in aviculture. Some species have large distributions, such as the galah and Baudin’s black cockatoo of Australia, while others are restricted to small island groups, such as the Tanimbar corella of Indonesia. Cockatoos feed on seeds, tubers and roots as well as fruit, flowers and insects. They are monogamous and nest in tree hollows. Many species have been adversely affected by habitat loss, and some are considered agricultural pests. They also are susceptible to the illegal trade in wild-caught birds.
Drinks
This bar in the gayborhood serves a variety of drinks. Customers say it has a great atmosphere and is a good place to meet people. They also enjoy the food and service. One customer shared a TikTok video of herself dancing in the bar. She said the drinks were delicious and the staff was friendly.
Cockatoo is one of several new bars that have opened in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood this year. Owner Ram Krishnan says the goal is to create more queer space differentiated from the typical gay dive. He says he and general manager Akshay Kamath intentionally station themselves at the entrance so that people know the bar is owned by people of color.
Atmosphere
Cockatoo is a fun, cool and playful bird with a rock star attitude. He loves to take selfies and he is always ready for adventures with his friends. He is also very intelligent and can play games like Jenga with his friends. He can even knock down towers made out of toy cups!
The cockatoo (Cacatuidae) is a member of the family Psittaciformes, along with parrots, budgies, and doves. The cockatoo is a very common pet in captivity, as it is the easiest species to breed. However, illegal trade in wild-caught birds is a significant threat to the conservation of certain cockatoo species.
In a city plagued by racism in gay nightlife, 13th Street newcomer Cockatoo has made its name as a safe space for people of color. The bar’s fruity drinks, Latin-inspired food and regular drag performances are a welcome change from the usual scene in Center City. The owners purposefully station themselves or general manager Akshay Kamath at the entrance to ensure that everyone who walks in feels welcome and welcomed.
Events
Throughout June, Philadelphia will celebrate Pride month with events and performances. The city’s top gay bars and restaurants host a variety of indoor and outdoor events, including themed nights at Tavern on Camac and Knock, piano bar performances by members of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, and an annual circuit party.
A highlight of Pride weekend is the annual flag-raising event, where Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs raises the “More Color, More Pride” flag in Philadelphia City Hall. The event also features speakers who share their stories of living as LGBTQ people in Philadelphia. Afterward, attendees can visit the city’s gayborhood to enjoy its diverse nightlife scene.
