Alex the Parrot

September 10, 2007

We are sad to report that Alex passed away on September 6, 2007 at the age of 31.  The necropsy did not reveal an obvious cause of death, but Dr. Pepperberg felt that the drugs Alex had to take several years earlier for his aspergillosis might have caused problems.  Irene and Alex did more to promote interest in parrots than anyone we can think of. If you would like to read more about the contributions that Alex made to the studies of animal intelligence (or to give a donation in his name), visit: www.alexfoundation.org.

He was such an incredible bird that the New York Times covered his death. Take a look

"I was stunned when Irene Pepperberg called me on Friday morning to tell me Alex was gone.  I had met Alex several times and even shot a short video with him that you can view on our website.  I can tell you, he was quite a character!  The minute I would pick him up, Alex would say “Wanna go back!  Wanna go back!”  He just cracked me up."   Carol Frank, Avian Adventures

In Memoriam to Alex

On October 10, 2000, Dr. Pepperberg and Carol Frank, President of Avian Adventures, celebrated the arrival of two Avian Adventure Cages for Alex and Griffin. Then In July, 2002, we revisited Irene and Alex in their new home at Brandeis University.  We were thoroughly entertained by Alex and Griffin and even have a VIDEO to show you of their delightful antics! 

Click  HERE to view 
(high speed connection and Windows Media Player or Real Player recommended)

Carol Frank and Alex, Mark Gluck, Irene and Griffin         Irene, Alex, and Griffin

Alex on his new Avian Adventures Cage                          Carol and Alex at MIT

Carol, Irene Pepperberg, and Alex                                     Carol and Alex at Brandeis

To learn more about Dr. Pepperberg's study of parrot intelligence, follow the link to The Alex Foundation