Alex the African Grey Parrot
When animal psychologist Irene Pepperberg entered a Northwest Side pet shop in 1977 and bought an exuberant one-year-old African grey parrot named Alex She began a 30-year research project that changed how we perceive avian intelligence. Alex's research challenged the notion that birds could only imitate human language, but not understand the meaning.
What is Alex?
Alex (short form for Avian Learning experiment) was originally an African grey parrot bought at a pet store. Over the course of his lifetime, he broke new ground in the field of animal psychology and proved that animals are as intelligent as dolphins or primates. Alex was one the most well-known talking birds around the globe until his death in 2007. He was a regular on TV programs and reports on science.
Alex was able to identify the shapes, colors and materials, as well as the sizes of objects. He was able comprehend the meanings of words which is a rare feat for birds. When he heard the word "grape" and he realized that it was not a vegetable, but it was a fruit. Dr. Pepperberg taught Alex words in a way that made him comprehend the meaning of them. She and an associate would role-play as students and teachers and Alex observed the actions and took in the explanations. When he understood the correct pronunciation and meaning of the word the word, he was awarded the object associated with it.
She also taught Alex the meaning of words, rather than just the sounds. This was an innovative method, since pet parrots usually only learn words for their novelty. The owners don't care about what they say when they use a particular word. However, with Alex when he spoke an exact word, he truly meant what he said.
Some scientists believe it is unfair to make comparisons between Alex to humans in terms of intelligence. They argued that even though Alex could communicate, he wasn't able to use logical phrases like "if you do x, then y."
While this is still a subject of debate but the fact remains that Alex laid the groundwork for research into animal intelligence and consciousness. Until his death in 2007 at 31 years old Alex was among the most well-known talking parrots of all time.
What was Alex like?
Alex was an infamous member of a gang who loved brutal acts. Despite his vicious tendencies, Alex was a likable character and seemed to enjoy the power that he wielded over his fellow hoodlums. He was addicted to two things in his life that was violence and classical music, particularly Beethoven who's music always brought images of blood and depravity to him. The group would drink milk that was laced with drugs in order to prepare themselves for "ultraviolence."
Alex's background as a parrot in the pet shop was not remarkable but it was a great experience for him. Irene Pepperberg, his human trainer, was able to teach him words and concepts quickly. Her thirty-year study of him changed the way we think about animal cognition and communication. She credits Alex with helping her learn how to use the model that was effective for all animals and children with learning disabilities.
Dr. Pepperberg continued her research with other parrots as well, including Wart and Griffin. She is now a professor at the University of Washington, where she continues her pioneering work with birds.
Alex is the youngest of the group, and also the most playful. She's a tween, and has been described by some as being ticklish. She is also the biggest animal lover in the group. She often acts as peacemaker between Clover and Sam when they get into irrelevant fights (such as in "Abductions").
Alex has an extremely confident sense of self which she utilizes to manipulate others. This has led to her getting into fights with other gang members, including her longtime enemy Gigi, whom she blames for spilling a juice on her blanket as a child ("Mime World") She also has a Goth/Emo personality. She loves wearing black and write long poems about love, loss and life ("Boy Bands will be Boy Bands"). The writers of the show have said that Seth MacFarlane's track is her most favorite and that she has dated him.
What was Alex's intelligence like?
When Alex the African grey parrot, first entered animal psychologist Irene Pepperberg's life in 1977, he might have been viewed as a mere pet. alex the african grey parrot revolutionized the field of animal psychological research by showing that birds are more than "rabbit minds."
Alex was a seasoned talker when Irene Pepperberg saw him for the first time at the pet store. He could identify and request objects, say their names, and even categorize them. He could also express emotions, such as when he was feeling dissatisfied or bored during training sessions. He would inform his trainers of this by placing his chin on his cage, or shouting out loudly "I want banana."
Alex's brain was so sophisticated that he was able to understand and even categorize objects and their colors, shapes and materials. He was also able to discern a distinction between a wooden box and a plastic bag and count and compare amounts of different objects. He even grasped the concept of zero, which most people don't grasp until about four years old!
Alex's abilities were impressive because unlike other parrots,, he could understand what he said. He was able to use his more than 100 words to describe, request and refuse objects as well as describe the sizes and types of materials. He was able to understand the analogies and recognize written words, but did not seem able to connect them with their spoken language.
The majority of parrots are taught words, but they don't understand the meaning behind the meaning behind them. To teach Alex, Pepperberg and her assistants would enact scenarios involving the object they wanted him to learn about. This technique is referred to as the rival model, and has since evolved into an established method of teaching animals.
Alex was not just an intelligent dog however, he was also a playful, friendly companion who loved to play with his owners. He was often a mentor and cheerleader in the training sessions. He would encourage them or remind them to do better. He was also very observant and was able to sense the emotions of his human companions. He would jump into his owner's arms when she was smiling, and then cling to her leg if she was unhappy or sad.
What was Alex's impact on the world?
In his short life, Alex changed many lives. His legacy is a testimony to his determination and character. He was a role model for a lot of mountain climbers, travellers, and others who were determined to live their lives on their terms. He taught his students that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. He believed that if you didn't worry about what others think of you, you can achieve excellence.
In the course of his journey, Chris/Alex had to face many difficulties. He had to face the loss of his father as well as financial issues and difficulties. He was able to conquer every obstacle with his determination and perseverance. He never gave up on his dream of becoming a mountain climber. He continued to strive for his goal, and eventually became one of the most famous mountain climbers in the world.
Even after his death, Alex continues to inspire people across the world. Free Solo is a film about Alex and his remarkable achievements in climbing. This film has received much critical acclaim, and is regarded as one of the greatest documentaries ever made. It has won many awards including the Academy Award in 2019 for Best Documentary Feature.
In addition to his collaboration with Dr. Pepperberg, Alex also set the standard for new avenues in avian intelligence. Alex was able to perform more than 100 vocal label for objects and actions. He was also able to count up to six sets of objects and showed math skills that were quite advanced at the time for birds.
He was also able to communicate with other animals using signs and had a solid understanding of grammar. He employed a method of training called "rival model," which involved two trainers modeling to the bird what they wanted to learn. The trainers would often switch positions so that the bird could interact with both trainers and receive attention from both.
Alex was named a National Hero in 2014 by President Barack Obama after the success of Free Solo. He was able to accomplish so much in his lifetime due to his strength of character and his determination to live life to his own terms.