In the realm of social media, an unexpected star has emerged: Apollo, an African gray parrot with a remarkable intellect and a penchant for pistachios. Adopted by Dalton and Victoria Mason in 2020, Apollo has since captivated millions of followers across various platforms with his extraordinary cognitive abilities.
African gray parrots, native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa, are renowned for their exceptional cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. These birds can develop a vocabulary of up to 1,000 words and use them contextually, despite having a brain roughly the size of a walnut. Apollo exemplifies these traits, demonstrating an intelligence level comparable to that of a human toddler.
The Masons have dedicated themselves full-time to Apollo's training, employing a method similar to the model/rival technique used by renowned animal cognition researcher Dr. Irene Pepperberg. This approach involves two trainers, one giving instructions and the other modeling responses, effectively engaging the parrot's competitive nature.
"What Apollo is doing is fascinating. It's showing that Alex was not just some Einstein parrot, that other parrots are capable."
Dr. Pepperberg's groundbreaking work with Alex, another African gray parrot, paved the way for understanding these birds' cognitive potential. Alex, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 31, demonstrated cognitive skills equivalent to a 4-year-old human child. Apollo, now 4 years old, is following in Alex's footsteps, showcasing an impressive array of abilities.
Apollo's repertoire includes identifying objects, colors, and numbers. He can distinguish between materials like glass, metal, and paper, and even complete simple puzzles. His social skills are equally impressive, with the ability to greet humans and engage in basic conversations. These achievements highlight the species' capacity to understand abstract concepts and use tools, traits observed both in captivity and in the wild.
Recently, Apollo's abilities earned him a place in the Guinness World Records. He successfully identified 12 objects in three minutes, setting a new record for item identification by a parrot. This feat not only demonstrates Apollo's exceptional memory and cognitive processing but also brings attention to the remarkable intelligence of African gray parrots as a species.
While Apollo's social media success provides financial support for the Masons, it's crucial to note that African gray parrots require significant care and attention. These birds can live up to 50-60 years in captivity and are known for forming strong bonds with their caretakers. However, they can also be demanding pets, requiring mental stimulation and social interaction.
As Apollo continues to learn and grow, he serves as a fascinating subject for ongoing research into animal cognition. His achievements not only entertain millions but also contribute to our understanding of avian intelligence, highlighting the cognitive similarities between certain bird species and humans.