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Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s study on avian cognition transformed the world’s understanding of animal intelligence. Her trailblazing work with African Grey parrots, particularly Alex, questions the concept that humans possess complex cognitive abilities alone and that birds have tiny brains. Pepperberg’s research, which included teaching Alex to recognize objects, colors, forms, counting, and even abstract ideas such as zero, transformed the subject of comparative psychology. Her research proved that parrots can understand complicated concepts, communicate meaningfully, and build emotional ties with people. Dr. Pepperberg wrote a book entitled Alex & Me chronicling her unique relationship with Alex, which lasted three decades before his death at age 31 (“Alex & Me: The Parrot Who Said ‘I Love You.’“ NPR, 31 Aug. 2009).

Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s work heavily impacted Monica Wood, notably in how she addresses themes of communication, intelligence, and emotional connection through Violet’s experience working in Dr. Petrov’s lab. Wood visited Pepperberg’s lab in 2019, where she met Athena and Griffin, the parrots who replaced Alex after his death. In the novel, Wood introduces Charlotte and Ollie, brilliant parrots who deeply understand language and human behavior. Wood draws inspiration from Pepperberg’s research, using the parrot as a

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