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Alex the African Grey Parrot Irene Pepperberg, an animal psychologist, purchased Alex in 1977 from a pet shop in the Northwest Side. She began an investigation lasting 30 years that would change our perception of the intelligence of birds. Her research with him challenged the notion that birds can only mimic human speech with any understanding of what it means. What is Alex? At first, Alex (short for Avian Learning Experiment) was a normal African grey parrot bought from the pet retailer. But over the course of his life, he set trails in animal psychology that were beyond what was previously thought to be possible. He also proved that animals can be as intelligent as dolphins or primates. Alex was one the most talked about talking birds in the world until his death in 2007. He was a regular on TV programs and reports on science. In his life, Alex learned over 150 words and could identify shapes, colors materials, as well as the quantities of objects. Alex was able to comprehend the meaning of words, which is an uncommon feat for birds. When he heard the word “grape” and he realized that it was not a plant but a fruit. This was due to the method that Dr. Pepperberg taught him words. She and a colleague would play the roles of teacher and student. Alex observed and listened. He was awarded for correct pronunciation and definition by receiving the object associated with the word. Another interesting aspect of the way that she trained Alex was that she taught him the meanings behind words, rather than the sounds. This was an innovative method, since pet parrots usually only learn words to enhance their novelty. The owners don't mean what they say when they use a particular word. However, with Alex, when he said a certain word, he was really meaning what he said. Many people are enthralled by the fact that Alex was able to learn so many things but some scientists have said that it is unfair to compare Alex to humans in terms of intelligence. They argued that even though Alex could communicate, he wasn't proficient in using logic phrases like “if x then y.” Alex's work on animal consciousness and intelligence is controversial. He was one of the most famous and well-known talking parrots until his passing in 2007, at the age 31. What was Alex's personality like? Alex was an infamous bandit who loved to commit gruesome acts of brutality. Despite his violent tendencies, he was a very likeable person and seemed to appreciate the power he possessed over his fellow hoodlums. He was addicted to violence and classical music. Beethoven's music particularly, made images of blood and depravity for him. He also was a regular drinker of milk spiked with drugs, which his gangmates and he would then use to prepare themselves for their “ultraviolence.” Alex's unremarkable background as an African Grey parrot at a pet store served him well. Irene Pepperberg, his human trainer was able to teach him words and concepts quickly. Her research over thirty years on him revolutionized theories of animal cognition, communication and interaction. She was credited by Alex for teaching her to apply the model of competition that proved to be effective in other animals and children with learning disabilities. Dr. Pepperberg continued her research with other parrots as well, including Wart and Griffin. She is currently a professor at the University of Washington, where she continues her pioneering research with birds. Alex is the youngest of the group, and also the most playful. She's a bit of a tomboy and has been described as extremely teasing. She is the most animal-friendly member of the group. She often acts as a peacemaker between Clover and Sam when they are involved in meaningless disputes (such as in “Abductions”). Alex has a strong opinion of herself that she uses to manipulate other people. This has led to her getting into conflicts with other gang members, including her longtime foe Gigi who she blames for spilling a juice on her blanket when she was a child (“Mime World”) She has also developed an Emo/Goth persona and is fond of wearing black clothing and writing poetry about loss and love (“Boy Bands Will Be Boy Bands”). The writers of the show have said that Seth MacFarlane's song is her most favorite and that she has dated him. What was Alex's level of intelligence? When Alex, an African grey parrot, first entered the world of animal psychologist Irene Pepperberg's life in 1977, he might have seemed like just another pet. Alex revolutionized the field of animal psychological research by proving that birds are much more than “rabbit minds.” Alex was a fluent speaker when Irene Pepperberg saw him for the first time at a pet store. He could categorize and rename objects, and identify and request them. He could also express his feelings, such as when he was feeling bored or frustrated in training sessions. He would communicate this to his trainers by placing his head on the cage or vocalizing loudly, “I want a banana.” Alex's intelligence is so advanced that he is able to understand and classify objects, their colors, shapes and materials. He was also able to tell the difference between a plastic bag and a wooden box, and also measure and compare the quantities of different items. In fact, he was able to comprehend the concept of zero, which humans aren't able to grasp until the age of four! Alex's skills were impressive as, unlike other parrots he understood what he said. He was able to use his vocabulary of more than 100 words to describe requests, refuse, and objects, and also communicate their sizes and materials. He was able to understand analogies and recognize written words but was not to be able to connect them with their spoken form. The majority of parrots learn words, but don't know what they mean. To teach Alex, Pepperberg and her assistants would create scenarios involving the object they wanted him to know about. This technique is known as the rival model and has become a common way to teach animals. Alex was not just a dog with a high cognitive capacity, but also a playful, friendly companion who loved to play with his owners. He often served as an adviser and cheerleader during training sessions, encouraging or encouraging them to do better. He was very observant and was able to identify the emotions of his human companions. He would jump into the arms of his owner when she was smiling, and hold her legs if she was unhappy or sad. What was Alex's impact on the world? In his short time on earth, Alex changed many lives. His legacy is a testament to his determination and the strength of his character. He was an inspiration to many travelers, mountain climbers and those who wanted to live life in their own way. He taught them you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. He believed that if you didn't focus on what others think about your character, you will achieve the heights of success. Through his life Chris/Alex was faced with many challenges. Gizmo newborn african grey parrot was confronted with the loss of his dad as well as financial issues and the adversity. He was capable of overcoming all these challenges through sheer determination and perseverance. He did not give up on his goal of becoming a mountain climber. He did not give up on his goal of becoming a mountain climber. Even after his passing, he continues to inspire people across the world. Free Solo is a film about Alex and his remarkable achievements in climbing. This movie has received a lot of critical acclaim, and is considered one of the best documentaries of all time. It has also received numerous awards including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2019. Alex Pepperberg pioneered bird intelligence in addition to his work for Dr. Pepperberg. He could perform more than 100 vocal labels for actions and objects and was able to count objects up to six, and demonstrated math skills that were incredibly advanced for a bird at the time. He was also able to communicate with other animals through sign language and was able to comprehend a lot of grammar. He employed an approach to training known as “rival model,” which involved two trainers modeling to the bird what they wanted it to learn. The trainers would switch positions often so that the bird was able to interact with both of them and receive praise and attention from each of them. After the success of Free Solo, Alex was named a National Hero by President Barack Obama in 2014. Alex was able to accomplish much in his lifetime due to his strength of character and determination to live his life to the fullest.