But there is a catch! The matching is contingent on The Alex Foundation receiving the entire $10,000 in that time!  If we fall short of the goal, we lose the whole $10,000 match!

So please help if you can! Every little bit helps us reach our goal!

We will be keeping a weekly total here, on Facebook and Twitter!

All you have to do to qualify is give. No need to specify anything when you make your payment.

Please copy this and send it to all your friends. Post it anywhere you like. The more people who know, the better!

Since my last blog update, a great sadness befell us: our beloved Arthur “Wart” passed away. I’d like to thank all of those who reached out to us when we first announced his passing. It is comforting to know the community runs so deep. If anyone needs to reach out to during these sad times, we at the Alex Foundation and Pepperberg lab open up our hearts to you.

Before his passing, Arthur was treated with the utmost love, respect, and compassion any bird has ever experienced. From the ones lucky enough to have met him in person to those that knew him from stories and lived vicariously through his pictures, there was not one soul without a soft spot in their hearts for Wart. While we mourn deeply for his departure, we also smile, knowing that somewhere Wart flies blissfully with Alex and all the other lovely birds who have passed on.

We at the Pepperberg lab have attempted to stay strong and keep busy by working harder and not letting Wart’s contribution to the lab as a whole go to waste. If you have not had the chance, definitely take 20 minutes to check out our newest publication about some of the research Dr. Pepperberg performed with Alex. While other great papers already exist, this article stands out because it focuses more on Alex’s work with numbers. If you are not the “science type”, I would definitely start by reading the abstract, as it gives a pretty comprehensive and clear description of the article. What distinguished her research with Alex was that Dr. Pepperberg, like other colleagues, presented convincing evidence that primates were not the only animals able to evaluate complex problems related to language and communication. Rather than mere mimicry and repetition, Alex demonstrated a higher level of intelligence than before imagined. Another great area for additional reading, especially newer fans, is the introduction. It gives a lengthy tale about the history of behavioral studies with animals, Dr. Pepperberg’s colleagues, and her earliest thought processes about the research.

The following section leads into the bulk of the article, the research. In this first section, Pepperberg discusses some of the Alex’s earlier capacities before learning numerical information. Similar to a young toddler, Alex could make basic descriptions like color, shape, and matter. The next section relates more to the extensive amount of training that went into teaching Alex the concept behind numbers; he had to learn to label an object based on how it was organized in a group, taking into account both physical appearance in a group and quantity. It continues by explaining the training methods employed, the unexpected way Alex counted, and his accuracy.

In his more advanced numerical studies, Alex was taught the difference between the number label and the quantity and the idea of “none”. Some of the most the most interesting findings came from the unexpected and unique process behind the addition of small quantities as well as Alex’s seemingly strong understanding of ordinality and equivalence without formal training. By far the most intriguing findings come from the studies involving the understanding of integral numbers and his ability to perform basic summation. All in all, this article reaffirms what we fans already know about Alex’s revolutionary contribution to animal cognitive studies.

In other news, Life with Alex has been selected to screen at the 22nd Arizona International Film Festival (April 12-28)! We are excited to share this riveting and remarkable narrative of Irene’s and Alex’s adventures. Expect more updates about specifics from our Twitter and Facebook pages.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Alex Foundation/82141807119?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/alexfoundation

We hope you’ve been staying warm! Don’t fret too much, as the warmth of spring is just around the corner. While we close up this blog entry, I leave you with a quote from Leonardo da Vinci. He says that, “as a well spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death.” While Wart lived shorter than anyone would have hoped, he lived his life to the fullest, reaping more happiness and accomplishment in just fourteen years than most men combined can say they’ve achieved in a lifetime. His spirit lives strong in all of our hearts, and resonates in all of our thoughts. Rest In Peace Wart.

You be good,
Eduardo

PS In honor of Griffin’s 18th Hatchday on April 14th, The Alex Foundation will be holding a sale on all gift shop purchases. Get an additional 20% off every item if you order between 12am and 11:59pm on April 14th!

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of our beloved colleague, Arthur.a

A while back, Arthur was diagnosed with Kidney Disease. There is no cure but he had been doing well with treatment. Then, several months ago, Arthur became ill and was taken to the vet where he was diagnosed with Avian Bornavirus (ABV). Sadly, not enough is understood about this virus. It is a presumed causative virus that results in the symptoms of Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) which is fatal. It is neurotropic, which means that it is a virus that can infect nerve cells, often causing gastrointestinal dysfunction as well as several other neurological symptoms.

We do not know how or when Arthur could have contracted this virus as he could have had it for years without showing symptoms, or it is possible he was born with it. The stress to his system caused by the kidney problems could have been the reason that the virus became active—that is, his immune system was no longer strong enough to keep it in check. There is no cure for ABV or PDD. He received treatment and diligent care for several months wherein he returned to his happy, childlike self. But sadly, a week ago he became ill again, was hospitalized, and passed away a few days later.

We want to thank our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, students, and volunteers who worked relentlessly to give Arthur the best care and happiest life that he could have.

Griffin is doing well, enjoying the undivided attention he gets in being an only bird. He has been tested and came back negative for ABV and with a clean bill of health.

Arthur was only 14 years old. The sadness we are experiencing due to his loss cannot easily be put into words. The Lab will never be the same without his playful antics. We take comfort in knowing that Arthur had a truly wonderful life, surrounded every day by so many people that loved him.

Bigger/Smaller Training

We are presently committing most of our “training time” to four projects. By “training time”, we mean the period dedicated to developing Griffin’s vocabulary while explaining to him the connection between what he sees and the name of the object. Much like infants that need explaining for what the color of bananas is or what the general word for nourishment is, i.e. food, Greys need explanations for the concept behind what an object is, and then taught how to vocalize this understanding.

Griff getting a yummy nut after correctly identifying that there were two orange corks.

Of the four projects, our “Bigger/Smaller” project shows the most progress. In this test, Griffin is presented with two objects of different sizeand color. The goal of this experiment is to examine whether Greys can distinguish that objects that differ in color and size, and also be able to vocalize which object is bigger or smaller when asked during a session. Griffin already understands the concept of colors and he is starting to grasp the idea of different sized objects, and name which one is bigger or smaller. Overall, the training for Bigger/Smaller is going very well.

One of the new colors we’re teaching him is purple. While Griffin can recognize that the object in front of him is purple, he’s still not able to vocalize completely and clearly the word for purple. This second project will take some time, since Greys learn to pronounce their sounds differently than humans do, and the ‘p’ sound is hard without lips! But once Griffin can confidently vocalize his understanding for the concept of “purple”, we can integrate the color purple into the Bigger/Smaller sessions.

One of the newer projects we started recently is explaining to Griffin the concept of “none”. Griffin already knows certain numbers and how to indicate that shapes have a certain number of corners, but the idea of none is still a pretty new concept to him. This doesn’t surprise us

because mathematicians have extensively analyzed the concept behind “none” and “zero” since its birth in the 9th century AD by the Indians, and they still don’t fully get it! At the moment, Griffin shows great progress, but developing an understanding for the concept and learning how to say the word will take some time.

Griffin training to say “Purple”, even though I think the light in this picture makes it look blue. I guess I need to practice my colors too!

The final of the four training projects is explaining the idea behind exclusion. Much like learning the process of elimination in Algebra I, where you remove the “wrong” options and consequently increase the possibility of being correct, we believe when presented with many choices, Griffin should be able to differentiate and exclude the wrong answers. Griffin shows an increasing understanding for the concept, and we hope to soon publish a new paper on these findings.

Besides these current studies, we are constantly brainstorming about future experiments, with the hope of one day better understanding these fascinating creatures. A reciprocity paper is in the works to supplement the paper the lab released last Fall.

If you liked what you’ve read, follow our blog! We try to come out with new entries every week or so. You can also be instantaneously updated about our daily activities in the lab via Twitter, which we add to at least every two days. Also, if there’s something that intrigues you about our research that you’d like to learn more about, comment below with suggestions. We do our best to keep you all updated and gladly accept recommendations. To the loyal fans from day one to newcomers joining us now, I thank you for your support and interest in our research, for it is through your efforts that we continue to thrive!

In the lab, when Dr. Pepperberg prepares to leave Griffin and Wart, she says, “Goodbye Griffin and Wart. You be good; I love you”, so in the same spirit, I say goodbye.

You be good,

Eduardo

Griff and me hanging out before I make lunch grains!

While the start of this year was by no means something completely fresh and unmarked, it did bring about fresh beginnings, positive energy, and endless possibilities. Since the last blog update, the Pepperberg lab faced a tremendous amount of change. For one thing, we changed the blog author. While we all greatly enjoyed Megan’s passion for the extraordinary research being done with Dr. Pepperberg and the dynamic duo (Griff and Wart), I (Eduardo) have taken over as Megan focuses on graduate school and pursuing her career involving animal cognition research. I’m currently a Junior and can proudly say that I’ve had the honor of working with this lab for about a year now. My favorite part of working in this lab is the incredible hands-on experience and the discernible fervor students exhibit for the various studies we’re trying out. I also really like giving Wart wooden Popsicle sticks to chew on and seeing his face light up with joy!

Great news, the matching fundraiser was a great success! As many of you know, our friend Andy Sterner set up a matching program where supporters of the Alex Foundation could donate what they could and at the end of the fundraiser, Andy would graciously match up to $10,000 of the collections. The fundraiser ended January 5, 2013, and we are thrilled to announce that we reached our goal of $10,000!! To a community of families and friends that shares our fascination with animal cognitive studies and who keep Alex’s memory alive, we thank you for your generosity; it is through your love and support that the mission of the Alex Foundation continues to stay true. As you know, we operate purely on donations for all expenses related to the lab, ranging from food to larger costs like lab space rent. We truly appreciate the support you constantly offer us and any other future contributions you make.

In other news, I’d like to introduce everyone to our fairly new lab manager Suzanne Gray. Arlene Levin-Rowe retired from the lab manager position after almost 10 years of enthusiasm and dedication to the Pepperberg vision. Her successor, Suzanne studies Psychology at the Harvard Extension School. Suzanne worked as an animal trainer at PetSmart and studied under Dr. Pepperberg before becoming the lab manager. She definitely shows expertise and eagerness for animal behavior research, and we’re excited to have her on board.

Suzanne, Griffin and Wart! Not to worry about Wart on the left; he’s just experiencing some completely normal molting.

Not many people get the privilege of working in the Pepperberg Lab, and at most colleges undergraduates scarcely can participate in real lab work. What sets this lab apart from the rest is its character and soul. The typical researcher performs monotonous and tedious jobs with rather boring results. The avian cognition research performed with Griffin and Wart pushes the boundaries of any studies of its kind being done at Brandeis and in most laboratories around the country. The lab manager hires students who show zealous enthusiasm towards the research, great ability to interact with African Greys and an overall passion for animal behavior/cognitive studies. Whether it be undergraduates from other colleges, Brandeis graduate students, or even visiting graduate students, our researchers are brought together with one common goal: to learn more about this avian species and improve the world’s understanding of animal behavior. Many of us see it every day in our pets; it’s time to share this with the rest of the world.

If you’re interested in staying connected with us, check our blog out periodically. We’re planning on making weekly updates about all things Wart and Griffin related, so don’t miss out on all the fun! Also, if you’re not linked to us via Facebook or Twitter and would like to, click on the links below:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Alex Foundation/82141807119?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/alexfoundation

We hope you’re bundled up during these cold winter months, and stick with us for future posts and updates.

We decided to raffle this wonderful work to you, our supporters, and as always your response was incredible. We raised over $300 to help care for our birds and the lab, and for Arthur especially, who was sick recently and seems very happy to be back in good shape.

A few days ago, we had Wart pick out the winning raffle ticket himself.

Wart investigates the raffle tickets.

And the winner of our raffle, and of Kristyn Janelle’s pencil portrait of Alex, is Andrea Brugger!

Congratulations to Andrea, and thank you to all who participated.

And now for something incredibly silly:

Griffin, exploring.

Griffin, finished exploring.

We have new mugs, now available in the gift shop!

The mugs have photos of all three of our study animals, our African greys past and present: Alex, Griffin below him, and Wart below Griffin.

Drinking from a cup is an opportunity to be mindful: the rituals of morning coffee or tea allow us to refocus our minds on the things that are important to us. I look forward to opening my cupboard on the faces of these three animals that have helped us to understand so much about avian intelligence. We know our work and these birds have touched many of your lives. We hope that you, too, look forward to reflective moments with these three faces. I, for one, always remember my favorite question when I see them: What are they thinking? It’s a great thought to meditate on as I sip my tea and start my day, and I hope you feel the same.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

~Megan

First:

Once again this year

Andy Sterner

will match all individual gifts to

The Alex Foundation

which it receives between now and

January 5, 2013

up to a total of

$10,000!

All you have to do to qualify is give. No need to specify anything when you make your payment.

Please copy this and send it to all your friends. Post it anywhere you like. The more people, the better!

Second:

Now is the moment for maximum help for The Alex Foundation.  That’s why we’re giving The Alex Foundation an extra $5 for every new member that tries the iGive Button, even if they don’t end up shopping.

Share now by forwarding this e-mail, posting on Facebook, or even tweeting.
Here’s the special link you must use: http://iGive.com/welcome/lp2/w! r15.cfm?c=26695&m=339538

We’ve been making more of a fuss over Wart than we would like, lately. About two weeks ago, Wart was attacked by a bacterial infection, which necessitated a veterinary stay. Our lab manager, Suzanne Gray, cared for Wart round the clock after he was discharged. Our bird is now back to his normal self—except for his appetite, which has doubled—and we’re breathing a sigh of relief, getting back to work, and taking precautions to insure that the lab is as sterile as we can make it.

And now we’re celebrating Wart’s hatchday. He is 14 years old. Given that African greys can live to 60 or more, he is still something of a parrot teenager. We are lucky that both of our birds are healthy and living well.

We have two announcements to make:

Raffle for Wart’s Hatchday

In honor of Wart’s day and to celebrate the continuing health and happiness of all the members of the lab, we’re holding another raffle for an original piece of artwork, starting today! Wildlife artist Kristyn Janelle has donated this beautiful 9” x 12” colored pencil drawing of Alex, with his red neck feather:

The raffle begins today and will last for a month. Raffle tickets can be purchased here for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20.

Gift Shop Sale

We’re bringing in some new stock to the Alex Foundation store very soon. Our storage space consists of several bookcases crowded with new bird toys, canisters of nuts, and cameras here and there for data collection, so as an organization we often find ourselves in need of space! So, in with the new: we’re having a sale on Alex Foundation clothing items, while supplies last! Many of these items are of limited supply, and some of them are going out of stock permanently, so head on over to the Gift Shop and order now while we’ve still got them. And look forward to a few new items coming into the store soon.

Happy hatchday to Wart, and happy Fall to all of you out there. Thank you for your support. We couldn’t do this without you!

The painting is a tribute to Alex, a portrait of him, with the one red feather that stood out from the grey on this neck.

Griffin is usually our assistant in raffle picks, and so he was this time. We wanted the tickets to be mixed beforehand to ensure that everyone got a fair chance, so we just gave the basket of pink tickets to Griffin. He promptly waddled on up and overturned the basket, scattering tickets everywhere. Problem solved. He’s a very useful and obliging bird.

Tickets properly mixed (and re-gathered into the basket), we let Griffin pick out the winning ticket himself, as you can see here. Can you read the name? Our winner of Arlene Powers’ original watercolor portrait of Alex is Jan Strong! Many congratulations to Jan, and we hope the painting makes your home a little brighter.

Thank you so much to everyone for participating, and especially to Arlene Powers for donating this beautiful work of art. We raised over $1,000 through this raffle, and that goes a long way towards caring for the birds, maintaining our space, and continuing research. Our work would not be possible without your contributions. We are blessed to have such a strong community supporting us, remembering Alex with us, and wondering with us over each new discovery as we work to understand avian minds.

And now our next announcement: Pre-orders on Life With Alex have begun! Are you excited for this new documentary on the life of Alex the parrot? Place your pre-order here, and the DVDs will start shipping on October 1st. We’re so happy to be sharing this new movie with you all.

Finally, we want to address a comment that was left on a previous blog by a reader concerned about Griffin’s feather-picking. Picking is a pervasive issue that plagues many captive birds; it has a psychological component, and is compulsive, much like nail-biting in humans. Once a bird starts picking, it can be very difficult to help them stop. We have been doing our best to reduce this behavior for many years, and believe us when we say that it is a constant concern of ours. Lately, you may notice Griffin looking worse than usual, unfortunately; he is being treated for a low-level bacterial infection at the moment. It’s not serious at all, but he does seem to be picking more during this treatment. We ask for your understanding as we continue to address this issue.

Congratulations to Jan Strong for winning the raffle, and thank you again, to everyone, for your continued support. And start looking forward to Life With Alex!

Megan McGrath has worked with the Pepperberg Lab for several years. She is pursuing a career in research on animal cognition, communication, and perception.

We’re doing a few things to commemorate this date. Here’s what’s up at the lab:

Release of Life With Alex Movie

First off, we want to tell you about something that’s got us really excited. For a few years, a documentary on Alex’s life, entitled Life With Alex, has been in production—and it’s finally here.

Life With Alex is a compelling film about non-human cognition and learning. Follow Alex and his colleagues, Dr. Irene Pepperberg, lab manager Arlene Levin-Rowe, and their student assistants. Learn about Alex’s accomplishments and relationships, which changed forever what we know about how animals think. See never-before-released footage of Alex, in which he uses meaningful human speech to convey how he thought and felt every day.

For more information on the new movie, please visit www.LifeWithAlexMovie.com. The movie will be released in the coming weeks. To sign up for our mailing list to receive updates and hear when the movie comes out, sign up here.

A Reminder: Raffle!

Finally, a reminder. A few weeks ago, I posted about a raffle we’re holding for this original watercolor painting, generously donated by its creator, Arlene Powers:

The painting is a portrait of and tribute to Alex, but would make a tasteful and beautiful addition to any bird-lover’s home. You still have one week to enter this raffle! Each ticket is $5, or 5 tickets for $20, and can be purchased here. The winner will be picked on September 6^th, the anniversary of Alex’s death.

We hope your summer has been beautiful, and stick with us for more posts and updates.

Megan McGrath has worked with the Pepperberg Lab for several years. She is pursuing a career in research on animal cognition, communication, and perception.