Was sad to discover today that Alex the African Grey Parrot has died.
Because of him and the research of Dr. Irene Pepperberg, many things have been uncovered about the intelligence of these beautiful animals and how much we have underestimated them. I always enjoyed reading their research as well as the playful and cheeky antics of Alex.
Here's the notice on their website:
"We are deeply saddened to announce Alex died this morning of unknown causes. We will have a formal press release on Monday when we know the cause of death.
He was absolutely fine yesterday and he was found dead this morning.
Dr. Pepperberg will take the weekend to mourn his death.
We hope to have more information on Monday
We miss him so much.
Thank you,
Arlene Levin-Rowe - Pepperberg Lab Manager
and the Pepperberg Lab Staff"
Many people are going to miss you, Alex! Fly free.
2007-09-07 19:48:30 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
http://www.alexfoundation.org/
Here's a video of him: http://www.pbs.org/saf/1201/video/watchonline.htm
(scroll to the third video and click the picture)
2007-09-07 19:49:36 · update #1
That's very sad and shocking news. How devastating for all the people who worked with him over the years. I believe that Dr. Pepperberg got him as a baby at the beginning of her thesis work so he would have been about 25 - 30 years old or so.
I have always remembered an interview with Dr. Pepperberg where she said that she had to leave Alex at the vets office overnight for treatment once, as she turned to go he called out to her "I'm sorry..... come back!" She must have wanted to sleep on the vet's floor that night.
As the owner of a plucking cockatoo I always took some small comfort in the fact that Alex, who could never have been bored or lonely, still plucked somewhat.
2007-09-08 02:34:16 · answer #1 · answered by Thea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I happen to know Irene and this is truely a sad time for her. Although a battle of wits was always the diet end of the spectrum for a lot of us, we truly know a lot more about the avian species then we ever did before.
R.I.P Alex !!
2007-09-08 04:19:22 · answer #2 · answered by humor4fms 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have followed Alex as well, and that is so sad! He was a fabulous bird-my condolences to Dr. Pepperberg.
2007-09-09 14:43:59 · answer #3 · answered by my 2 cents 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, how sad.
I wonder how old he was?
I am sure they will do an autopsy on him.
I have watched him many times on TV.
I am thankful I recorded one of his shows.
Truely amazing bird.
My deepest sympathy to all who were involved in his life.
My condolenses to Dr Pepperberg and lab staff.
Hugs...
2007-09-08 00:14:29 · answer #4 · answered by laughinglady 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I heard through a bird group I'm in. How sad.
2007-09-08 04:37:51 · answer #5 · answered by Connie B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What disheartening news !
The world of science, the world of birds, and the world of bird lovers are all a little dimmer today !
2007-09-08 05:02:46 · answer #6 · answered by John P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just watched the video! What a beautiful and intelligent parrot!! Its just so sad he died ='(
2007-09-07 19:59:55 · answer #7 · answered by ara 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is so sad. My poor bird is sick now and i hope he over comes it!
RIP ALEX!
2007-09-09 10:53:05 · answer #8 · answered by ... 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋