Alex the Parrot Remembered in New Book

The late parrot Alex — he of science-world stardom for his incredible intellectual abilities — would be majorly offended by the derogatory use of the term bird brain.

Alex’s brain, was…well, pretty freakin’ amazing. An African Grey parrot purchased by scientist Irene M. Pepperberg at a Chicago pet shop in 1977, Alex learned colors, could identify how many objects were present up to six, and could distinguish wood from wool and paper. He learned 100 words, could identify 50 objects and asked for what he wanted by name. He could even express frustration with scientific trials: when he tired of exercises, like naming colors or counting, he would give every answer but the right one as a great big avian “F— you!”.

Pepperberg has written a book about her relationship with Alex, Alex and Me, which was published in November by HarperCollins. Pepperberg taught her beloved pet his impressive skills to prove that even non-primate and non-mammal creatures with walnut-sized brains could learn to communicate. She also wanted to show that while we all know parrots are capable of mimicking human speech, they are also capable of expression and intention. Before Alex, “people didn’t think birds were capable of much of anything,” Pepperberg said.

Alex passed away in 2007 at age 31, which is young even in parrot years (African Greys tend to live around 50 years). It is believed he had a massive heart attack, stroke, or fatal arrhythmia.

The night before his death, as Pepperberg left her lab at Brandeis University, he told her, “Be good. I love you.”

Pepperberg has honored that wish with Alex and Me, a tribute to a revolutionary animal, remarkable scientific experiment, and beloved comrade.

 

Story Source  Chicago Tribune, Wikipedia  |  Image Source  A Boundless Ethic

January 6, 2009 | Filed Under Biography & Memoir, Newsies 

Comments

2 Responses to “Alex the Parrot Remembered in New Book”

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Comment away, my little snarkie-pies. But please play nicely. Poopy-pants comments (spam, hate speech) will be flushed down the shitter.





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