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Description
On September 6, 2007, an African Grey parrot named Alex died prematurely at age thirty-one. His last words to his owner, Irene Pepperberg, were "You be good. I love you." What would normally be a quiet, very private event was, in Alex's case, headline news. Over the thirty years they had worked together, Alex and Irene had become famous—two pioneers who opened an unprecedented window into the hidden yet vast world of animal minds. Alex's brain was the size of a shelled walnut, and when Irene and Alex first met, birds were not believed to possess any potential for language, consciousness, or anything remotely comparable to human intelligence. Yet, over the years, Alex proved many things. He could add. He could sound out words. He understood concepts like bigger, smaller, more, fewer, and none. He was capable of thought and intention. Together, Alex and Irene uncovered a startling reality: We live in a world populated by thinking, conscious creatures. The fame that resulted was extraordinary. Yet there was a side to their relationship that never made the papers. They were emotionally connected to one another. They shared a deep bond far beyond science. Alex missed Irene when she was away. He was jealous when she paid attention to other parrots, or even people. He liked to show her who was boss. He loved to dance. He sometimes became bored by the repetition of his tests, and played jokes on her. Sometimes they sniped at each other. Yet nearly every day, they each said, "I love you." Alex and Irene stayed together through thick and thin—despite sneers from experts, extraordinary financial sacrifices, and a nomadic existence from one university to another. The story of their thirty-year adventure is equally a landmark of scientific achievement and of an unforgettable human-animal bond.
Customer reviews for 'Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process'
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Excellent Reading From A Parrot Lover
I have a 10 year old, female, Umbrella Cockatoo. I have known for many years that she is much more intelligent than people believe. This book proves it.
I fell in love with Alex and the work he did. The book is well written and describes training techniques that I would have never believed would work. It also shoots holes in techniques that present day "experts" believe to be the way to train a parrot, if you can, in fact "train" a parrot.
There is a "feeling" that is transmitted between you and your parrot. You know what she wants and she knows you know. I wish I could explain it but it is sooooo there.
I appreciate this book and hope everyone will read it. BUT don't rush out and buy a parrot. You have a 3-4 year old for 50-60 years. There are many parrots in shelters because people think of them as dogs, or cats or "they are so cute and cuddly. They aren't. This book will show you that. They are the closest thing to a infant you can ever imagine.
You don't just get tired of your infant and abandon it, so think twice before getting a bird.
[Tuesday, December 30, 2008]
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Good read
An informative peek inside what science asks before it can be proven true. It is also a touching story of the relationship that can form in spite of the must have objective view a scientist has to maintain. Sadly this is not a happy ending to the breakthrough work that Irene Pepperberg put so many years in to. Alex was special and gave an enlightening look at how smart other creatures really are.
[Sunday, December 28, 2008]
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Truly a wonderful and....
.....potentially perspective changing book! Pepperberg's life and research with Alex is extremely touching and eye-opening! The reviewer "Ace" already summed up my views of this book quite well, so I'll refer readers to that review...
I admire Dr. Pepperberg for her unrelenting dedication to pursue her research with this wonderful parrot, despite many, many difficult setbacks. Those who criticise this book because of the author's accounting of these setbacks are sort of missing the point! The fact that this scientist was so determined to carry on with her research with this remarkable bird - despite frequent financial cutbacks and lack of funding - is a testament to her character. Also, without her persistance, we would still know nothing about the cognitive capacity of this remarkable species!
Anyone who doesn't tear up just a little with the description of Alex's illness and treatment from Aspergillosis, well what can I say....!
I just hope Alex is now somewhere enjoying nuts, grapes and a slice of "yummy bread"....
[Saturday, December 27, 2008]
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