Millionaire ruffles feathers with $100k final gift to birds

A late New York millionaire has caused a stir after she left $100,000 in her will to her pet cockatiels.

Leslie Ann Mandel left the money to her 32 pet birds, The New York Post reported.

Ms Mandel’s will also reportedly included instructions for the cockatiels’ care, stating that the birds must either continue to live in the aviary of her $4 million home or be moved to a similar space.

Her will lists all 32 of the birds’ names, with Tanteleah, Dragon, Baby and Zack 12 among the fortunate flock.

The pampered pets must be fed natural birdfeed, carrots, water, and popcorn, and the building must be cleaned, the will stated.

Ms Mandel’s rescue dog Frosty and cat Kiki will also share in the trust fund.

The childless millionaire died in June, aged 69, after amassing a $5.3 million fortune.

Her stepson Matthew Herzog was named as trustee of the pet fund, but his own name was crossed out in the will.