On September 6, 2007, an African Grey parrot named Alex died prematurely at age thirty-one. His last words to his owner, Irene Pepperberg, were “You be good. I love you.”What would normally be a quiet, very private event was, in Alex’s case, headline news. Over the thirty years they had worked together, Alex and Irene had become famous—two pioneers who opened an unprecedented window into the … into the hidden yet vast world of animal minds. Alex’s brain was the size of a shelled walnut, and when Irene and Alex first met, birds were not believed to possess any potential for language, consciousness, or anything remotely comparable to human intelligence. Yet, over the years, Alex proved many things. He could add. He could sound out words. He understood concepts like bigger, smaller, more, fewer, and none. He was capable of thought and intention. Together, Alex and Irene uncovered a startling reality: We live in a world populated by thinking, conscious creatures.
The fame that resulted was extraordinary. Yet there was a side to their relationship that never made the papers. They were emotionally connected to one another. They shared a deep bond far beyond science. Alex missed Irene when she was away. He was jealous when she paid attention to other parrots, or even people. He liked to show her who was boss. He loved to dance. He sometimes became bored by the repetition of his tests, and played jokes on her. Sometimes they sniped at each other. Yet nearly every day, they each said, “I love you.”
Alex and Irene stayed together through thick and thin—despite sneers from experts, extraordinary financial sacrifices, and a nomadic existence from one university to another. The story of their thirty-year adventure is equally a landmark of scientific achievement and of an unforgettable human-animal bond.
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I was amazed at just how much Alex could understand and communicate. I have always admired African Greys and this just made me like them even more. It points out how very much animals are underestimated
Alex, shows the unrelenting dedication of a woman whose studies of African Grey Parrots showcases their intelligence and feelings. It is also a cautionary tale of why these beautiful creatures (and most other species, too) should not be caged (imprisoned) for our entertainment and amusement.
This is a nonfiction account of a very brainy bird (but definitely not a birdbrain) and his relationship with the scientist and students studying him. It’s an extremely well written book that sometimes pulls on those strings that hold your heart in place.
Wonderful book, educational and informative. Would recommend it to all.
Great book for anyone who loves animals.
Well written and entertaining but bogged down on some of Alex’s training regimine. Would still recommend it as funny and sad.
I enjoyed learning how a bird with a tiny brain can learn so much and communicate in ways people used to believe only humans could. It was fascinating; Alex the Parrot was such a character.
Great book that shows the intelligence and understanding of a bird and is probably indicative of other birds. We really know so little about animals yet they are amazing and incredible creatures. A wonderful book.
Different from my usual genre. It was entertaining and enlightening. I enjoyed the story so much, I found several youtube videos to hear Alex talk and ended up buying a children’s book about Alex to share with my 5 year old grandson.
I own a bird and thus loved reading about the authors experiences
Very interesting read and thought-provoking account of language research with parrots.
The story of a store bought parrot and a brilliant academic who together opened a world of interspecies communication….
Remember, Alex could have a conversation with you…. and he used English. We do not know how to speak nor understand parrot.
ALEX, THE MOST IMPORTANT PARROT TO HAVE EVER LIVED…
This is a fascinating glimpse into a mind that can do things it’s not supposed to be able to do – the mind of a parrot. It’s also the touching story of the relationship between the parrot – Alex – and his trainer, the author.
This was a short and interesting read about a bond, a belief and a beautiful commitment to pursue the expansion of our thinking about non-human communication and cognitive abilities. You will miss not ever meeting Alex mode to beak!