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Alex the African Grey Parrot Irene Pepperberg, an animal psychologist, purchased Alex in 1977 from a pet shop located on the Northwest Side. She began a 30-year study that would change our perception of avian intelligence. Alex's research challenged the notion that birds could only mimic human language without understanding meaning. What is Alex? At first, Alex (short for Avian Learning Experiment) was just an ordinary African grey parrot bought from the pet retailer. But over the course of his life, he set trails in animal psychology that were far beyond anything previously thought possible, and he proved that animals can be as intelligent as dolphins or primates. Until his death in 2007, Alex was one of the most famous talking birds in the world, appearing on TV shows and in scientific reports. Alex was able to identify colors, shapes and materials, as well as the sizes of objects. He also understood the meanings behind words, an ability that was not common for birds. For instance, if it came across the word “grape” he would recognize that it was a fruit, not a vegetable. This was due to the method that Dr. Pepperberg taught him words. She and a colleague would role-play the roles of student and teacher. Alex observed and listened. When he heard the correct pronunciation and meaning of the word the word, he was awarded the object that went along with it. She also taught Alex the meaning of words, instead of just the sounds. This was a groundbreaking method because it's usually the case that pet parrots get taught words to be fun only. The owners don't mean what they say when they use a certain word. However with african greys for adoption , when he said the word he was using, he truly meant what he was saying. Some scientists argue that it is not fair to compare Alex to humans when it comes to intelligence. They pointed out that while Alex could communicate, he wasn't able to use logical expressions like “if you do x, then y.” While this is still a subject of debate, the fact remains that Alex laid the groundwork for research into the animal mind and consciousness. Until his death in 2007 at the age of 31, he was among the most famous talking parrots of all time. What was Alex like? Alex was an infamous gang member who enjoyed committing gruesome acts of brutality. Despite his violent tendencies, Alex was a likable character and seemed to enjoy the power he wielded over his fellow hoodlums. He was addicted to violence and classical music. Beethoven's songs particularly, made images of blood and depravity for him. He also was a regular drinker of milk spiked with drugs, which he and his gang members would then use to prepare themselves for their “ultraviolence.” Alex's experience as a parrot in the pet shop was not remarkable but it was a great experience for him. He was quick to learn words and concepts from his human trainer, Irene Pepperberg. Her thirty-year study on him revolutionized theories of animal cognition, communication, and interaction. She is grateful to Alex with teaching her how to apply the model that was effective for other animals and children with learning disabilities. After her research with him Dr. Pepperberg went on to conduct studies with other parrots, including Wart and Griffin. She is now a professor at the University of Washington, where she continues her pioneering work with birds. As the youngest member of the gang, Alex is perhaps the most childlike. She's a more of a tween and is described as extremely teasing. She is the most animal-loving member of the group. She is usually the one to make peace when Clover and Sam have arguments that aren't worth the effort (such as “Abductions”) Alex has a strong opinion of who she is and uses it as a tool to manipulate other people. This has led her into many disputes with other members of the gang. This includes her long-time adversaries Gigi Hollingsworth, who she blames for spilling juice on her blanket as a child (“Mime World”). She also has an Emo/Goth-like personality and loves dressing in black and writing poems about love and loss (“Boy Bands Will Be Boy Bands”). The show's creators have said that Seth MacFarlane's song is her most favorite and that she has dated him. What was Alex's level of intelligence? Alex Alex, the African grey parrot Irene Pepperberg first met in 1977, may have appeared to be another pet. However, over the subsequent 30 years, Alex helped revolutionize the field of animal psychology by demonstrating that birds aren't just “rabbit brains.” When Irene Pepperberg first saw him at the pet shop, Alex was already an skilled and proficient talker. He could categorize and name objects, as well as identify them and ask for them. He could also communicate his emotions, like when he was unhappy or dissatisfied during training sessions. He would tell his trainers this by placing his chin on the cage, or saying loudly “I want banana.” Alex's brain was so sophisticated that he could comprehend and even categorize objects according to their colors, shapes and materials. He could also tell the difference between the plastic bag and a wooden box, and also count and compare quantities of different objects. He even grasped the concept of zero, which most people don't grasp until around four years old! Alex's skills were impressive as unlike other parrots,, he could understand what he said. Alex could use his over 100-word vocabulary to describe request and refuse objects, as well as convey the dimensions and materials. He even showed an ability to recognize analogies and recognize the written word form – although he did not seem to connect them with their spoken counterparts. The majority of parrots learn words, but do not know what they mean. To teach Alex, Pepperberg and her assistants would enact scenarios involving the object they wanted him to learn about. african greys for adoption is referred to as the rival model and it has since become an accepted method of teaching animals. In addition to his brain skills, Alex was a friendly and playful pet who loved to play with his owners. He was often a mentor and a cheerleader during training sessions. He would encourage them or remind them to do better. He was also very attentive and was able to recognize the emotions of his human companions. He often jumped into his owner's arms when she was happy, and would cling to her legs when she was sad or upset. What was Alex's influence? In his short time on earth, Alex changed many lives. His legacy is a testimony to his character and determination. He was a role model for a lot of mountain climbers, travelers, and those who were determined to live their lives on their terms. He taught them you can accomplish anything if put your mind to it. He believed that if you do not care what others think of you, you can achieve excellence. Throughout his journey, Chris/Alex had to face numerous difficulties. He was confronted with the loss of his father, financial challenges and hardship. He was successful in overcoming all these obstacles by his sheer determination and perseverance. He never gave up on his goal of becoming a mountaineer. He did not give up on his dream of becoming an mountain climber. Even after his death Alex continues to inspire people across the world. The film Free Solo is a documentary about Alex's life and his incredible climbing achievements. This film has received much praise from critics and is regarded as one of the greatest documentaries ever made. It has also won many awards including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in the year 2019. Alex Pepperberg pioneered bird intelligence in addition to his work for Dr. Pepperberg. Alex was able to sing more than 100 vocal label for objects and actions. He was also capable of counting up to six object sets and demonstrated math skills that were quite advanced at the time for a bird. He was also able to communicate with other animals using sign language, and he was able to comprehend grammar. He employed a method of training called “rival model,” which involved two trainers modeling to the bird what they wanted it to learn. The trainers often changed positions to allow the bird to interact with both trainers and receive attention from each. After the success of Free Solo, Alex was awarded the status of National Hero by President Barack Obama in 2014. He was able to accomplish many things in his lifetime due to his strength of character and his desire to live life on his terms.