Current Date: 28 Aug, 2025
{{entry.title}}

Remembering Alex: The African Grey Parrots Final Message

"You be good, I love you. See you tomorrow" Parrot's last words to her caretaker. Alex (1976 – September 6, 2007) was an African Grey Parrot and the subject of a thirty-year (1977–2007) experiment by animal psychologist Irene Pepperberg, initially at the University of Arizona and later at Harvard University and Brandeis University. Pepperberg bought Alex in a regular pet shop when he was about one year old.

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.

Alex, a 31-year-old African gray parrot, knew more than 100 words and could count and recognize colors and shapes. Photo Credit: The New York Times

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).
Alex the Parrot. Youtube

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.

Similar Stories
10 Rarest and Albino animals you haven’t seen

10 Rarest and Albino animals you haven’t seen

For centuries, people have been fascinated and enchanted by the ghostly appearances of abnormally white animals. People have loved albinos and other unusually white animals so much that they may be helping to increase their numbers, despite the difficulties these animals face in the wild. While these unusual animals did not win the genetic lottery, they have persevered in the face of adversity.

Andy Goose - The Goose With No Feet but wears Nike shoes

Andy Goose - The Goose With No Feet but wears Nike shoes

Andy was a goose who was born without feet. However, his owner came up with a solution to help him stand and move around by outfitting him with Nike sneakers. This gave Andy the ability to move around like any other goose, but it also made him a source of inspiration for disabled children. Sadly, he was mysteriously murdered in 1991.

Earthquakes: Can Animals Really Predict Them?

Earthquakes: Can Animals Really Predict Them?

In 1975, when officials in the Chinese city of Haicheng were alarmed by odd and anxious behaviors of dogs and other animals. These observations led them to order 90,000 residents to evacuate the city. Only a few hours later a 7.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed nearly 90% of the city’s buildings.

Are Octopus Intelligent? A Look Inside an Octopus's Brain

Are Octopus Intelligent? A Look Inside an Octopus's Brain

Octopuses are extremely intelligent. It is the only invertebrate capable of emotion, empathy, cognitive function, self-awareness, personality, and even interpersonal relationships. Some believe that if humans did not exist, octopi would eventually take our place as the dominant life form on Earth.

How Migratory Birds Navigate Thousands of Miles Without Getting Lost

How Migratory Birds Navigate Thousands of Miles Without Getting Lost

Migratory birds undertake epic journeys spanning thousands of miles with astonishing precision, never losing their way. Their secret lies in a remarkable blend of innate senses, learned experience, and sophisticated navigation tools—ranging from the Earth's magnetic field to celestial clues and mental maps. Explore how these feathered travelers accomplish one of nature's most astounding feats through science, intuition, and adaptation.

The Evolution of Flight: From Dinosaurs to Birds – A Journey Through Time and Science

The Evolution of Flight: From Dinosaurs to Birds – A Journey Through Time and Science

Flight is one of nature’s most remarkable adaptations, but its origins trace back millions of years before modern birds took to the skies. Emerging from theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic period, birds evolved feathers, wings, and lightweight bodies that enabled powered flight. This detailed narrative explores the fascinating evolutionary path from ground-dwelling dinosaurs to the aerial masters of today, blending science, intriguing fossil finds, and surprising trivia about our feathered ancestors.

A man travels for hours daily through a drought to provide water for wild animals.

A man travels for hours daily through a drought to provide water for wild animals.

This man travels throughout Kenya bringing thirsty animals thousands of litres of water. Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua regularly travels to the Tsavo, where extreme drought is endangering the lives of elephants, buffalo, zebras, and antelope. He promises to keep giving out water every week until it starts to rain in the hopes that getting the word out will lead to a long-term fix.