Alex, one of the most well-known African Grey parrots in history, opened up new possibilities for bird intelligence. He could recognize specific objects by their specific material and could vocally label over 100 different objects, actions, and colors. He was able to count object sets up to six in total, and was currently working on seven and eight.
In addition to being able to deduce the relationship between written numerals, object sets, and the vocalization of the number, Alex demonstrated math abilities that were thought to be advanced in animal intelligence. He also developed his own concept of what was considered “zero-like.” Alex understood the concept of phonemes, or the sounds that make up words, and was learning to read the sounds of different letters.
In his day-to-day activities, Alex’s personality was clearly visible. He enjoyed giving orders to “his” humans to carry out different tasks for him because he felt “in charge” of his home. In addition, he served as a cheerleader and coach for Wart and Griffin, giving them advice and criticism in equal measure while they were learning. Corks, key chains, and cardboard boxes were his favorite toys.
Alex came from modest beginnings, having been bought in June 1977 at the age of 12 or 13 months from a Chicago pet store. His achievements demonstrated that African Grey parrots are far more intelligent than previously believed, even before he spent decades working with Dr. Pepperberg. Sadly, Alex died on September 6, 2007, at the age of 31, from an arteriosclerosis-related sudden, unplanned catastrophic event. (hardening of the arteries).
Either a fatal arrhythmia, a stroke, or a heart attack caused his abrupt and painless death. It was impossible to see how he would end. Earlier that week, the results of all the tests that were part of a recent physical examination had come back normal, including his cholesterol and asper levels. His age or current diet were unrelated to his death; our veterinarian reported that she had observed comparable occurrences in young birds (less than 10 years old) who were also fed a healthy diet. Most likely, genetics or a similar type of low-level inflammatory disease linked to human heart disease—which is currently impossible to detect in birds—was to blame.
10 Rarest and Albino animals you haven’t seen
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Jack the Baboon operated a railroad, earned a living, and never made a mistake
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Bear, Tiger, And Lion Became Friends For Life
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How Switzerland ended rabies epidemic by air-dropped vaccinated chicken heads
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Why the Brooklyn Bridge Was Once Crossed by 17 Camels and 21 Elephants
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Chen Ami, The Bravery pigeon that saved 194 Soldier
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Titanoboa cerrejonensis, fossils of the world’s largest species of snake
In 2009 in a coal mine of Columbia, scientists discovered fossils of the world’s largest species of snake. The species is called “Titanoboa cerrejonensis,“and it is from around 60 million years ago. It would have had measured about 48 feet long and weighed about 2,500 pounds
9-Year-Old Hero from Yemen Rescues Fox from a 3-4 Floor Deep Well—No Ropes, Just Bravery
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The unique friendship of a bear and a dog
A female grey wolf and a male brown bear's remarkable "friendship" was captured by Finnish photographer Lassi Rautiainen over the course of ten days in 2013. Together, they traveled everywhere while hunting and splitting their catch.
How European Rabbits Took over Australia
In 1859, wealthy settler Thomas Austin released 13 wild rabbits on his Australian estate. By 1920, their population grew to 10 billion.
Photos of dogs who were stung by bees yet remained adorable
Flies are sky raisins, aren't bees jalapeno sky raisins as well? Please note: you are a terrible person if you laugh at this gallery, just kidding. Enjoy the photos of dogs who were stung by bees yet remained adorable.
Blind dog guides by goose, Story of Boxer and Buttons’ friendship
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The Evolution of Flight: From Dinosaurs to Birds – A Journey Through Time and Science
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Megamouth Shark And Her Babies Found Dead In The Philippines
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Pierre Brassau: The chimpanzee painter who deceived the avant-garde world
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The story of Bill Haast, who lived to be 100 despite his extensive snake venom injections
Bill Haast immunized himself by injecting snake venom into his blood for several years. He holds the Guinness World Record for surviving the most lethal snake bites, having been bitten over 172 times. Bill became known as "Snake Man" around the world and lived for over 100 years.
How Migratory Birds Navigate Thousands of Miles Without Getting Lost
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The story of The chicken that lived for 18 months without a head
Mike the Headless Chicken was a rooster whose head was accidentally chopped off but miraculously survived. This is due to most of the brain stem being left intact. He was fed using a special tube that delivered food directly into his esophagus. Despite his lack of a head, he lived for 18 months, gaining worldwide fame before ultimately choking on a kernel of corn during one of his tours, in a Motel in Fruita, Colorado.
13-year-old dog missing for two months found alive in a cave.
On Aug 6, 2022, A group of Missouri cave explorers accidentally found and helped rescue a senior dog that had been missing for two months. It is unclear how long the dog was in the cave or how it managed to survive.
Kipekee, the world's only spotless giraffe, was born at Brights Zoo
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