How did Alex the African GREY parrot died?
David Craig
Updated on March 30, 2026
Sadly, Alex passed away on September 6, 2007 at the age of 31 of a sudden, unexpected catastrophic event associated with arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It was either a fatal arrhythmia, heart attack, or stroke, which caused him to die suddenly with no suffering. There was no way to predict his demise.
What did Alex the parrot say before he died?
‘Alex & Me’: The Parrot Who Said ‘I Love You’ When Alex died in September 2007, his last words to Pepperberg were “You be good. I love you.”
How smart was Alex the parrot?
Alex, possibly the smartest and most famous parrot ever, died last Thursday at 31. He was a research subject for scientists at Harvard who were amazed by his ability to learn language. He could differentiate colors and shapes and knew more than 100 words. Dr.
How smart is an African GREY?
They’re Among the Most Intelligent Bird Species Besides being one of the most popular pet bird species, African grey parrots are also one of the most intelligent. It has been said that these impressive birds have the mental and emotional capacities of a 5-year-old human child.
When did Einstein the parrot died?
Alex (parrot)
| Alex participating in a numerical cognition experiment | |
|---|---|
| Hatched | May 1976 United Kingdom |
| Died | September 6, 2007 (aged 31) Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Known for | Intelligent use of language |
How old is Alex?
31
But last week Alex, an African Grey parrot, died, apparently of natural causes, said Dr. Irene Pepperberg, a comparative psychologist at Brandeis University and Harvard who studied and worked with the parrot for most of its life and published reports of his progress in scientific journals. The parrot was 31.
What questions did Alex the parrot?
One of Alex’s most impressive moments was when he asked an existential question about his own appearance. He had been presented with a mirror, and—after observing himself for a moment—he asked, “What color?” He then learned the word “gray”—the color of his feathers—after having it taught to him six times.
What is the smartest bird on earth?
The Most Intelligent Birds In The World
- Kea. The Kea has been enlisted by many as the worlds most intelligent bird among top ten intelligent birds.
- Ravens. This beautiful bird is in the same genus (Corvus) as crows and just are about equally smart.
- Macaws.
- Cockatoo.
- Amazon Parrots.
- Jays.
What were Alex’s last words?
Alex’s death on 6 September 2007, at age 31, came as a surprise, as the average life span for a grey parrot in captivity is 45 years. His last words (“You be good, I love you. See you tomorrow.”) were the same words that he would say every night when Pepperberg left the lab.
