Dr. Irene Pepperberg and Alex the African grey's studies focused on the cognitive abilities of parrots. Courtesy The Alex Foundation

The 5th Parrot Palooza will take place October 18 and 19, 2008, at Bird Paradise in Burlington, N.J.

All seminars are free and are part of the Continuing Education Programs sponsored by Bird Paradise. Educational speakers include Dr. Irene Pepperberg, a professor whose work with Alex the African grey demonstrated the cognitive abilities of parrots; Sally Blanchard, avian behaviorist and author of Companion Parrot Quarterly; and Lara Joseph, a cockatoo behavioral specialist.

Events include a silent auction, pumpkin carving contest, free BBQ and sale on all store items (excluding birds).

All monetary contributions benefit the Alex Foundation, a research organization named after Alex the African grey that pioneered new avenues in avian intelligence that is dedicated to improving the lives of parrots in captivity and preserving those in the wild. 

For directions on how to get to Bird Paradise, visit their website.