Join Christopher Skaife, the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London, as he hilariously recounts his chaotic first day and the unbelievable bond he shares with the ravens. Dame Wilburn shares her lighthearted adventure of raising chickens in Detroit, complete with comical trials and triumphs. Meanwhile, Irene Pepperberg delves into her groundbreaking research on gray parrots, reflecting on her deep connection with Alex, her beloved parrot. It's a feathered gathering filled with laughter, insights, and the unique relationships that make life richer.
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Ravens: Feathered Apes?
Ravens at the Tower are incredibly intelligent, possibly as smart as primates.
Their presence was initially a marketing strategy linked to Gothic revivalism and the tower's history of executions.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Lesbian Chickens
Dame Wilburn and her wife, wanting fresh eggs, decided to raise chickens in Detroit.
Unexpectedly, one hen, Natasha, started crowing like a rooster, disrupting the neighborhood.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Alex the Parrot
Irene Pepperberg trained Alex, an African grey parrot, to understand complex concepts.
Alex challenged scientific assumptions about bird intelligence by labeling objects, colors, and shapes.
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This book tells the story of Irene M. Pepperberg and her African Grey parrot, Alex, who together challenged conventional wisdom about animal intelligence. Alex, with a brain the size of a shelled walnut, could add, sound out words, understand concepts like bigger, smaller, more, fewer, and none, and even invented the concept of zero. The book is a poignant love story and an affectionate remembrance of Pepperberg’s irascible and unforgettable best friend. It also details Pepperberg’s struggles with academia, personal hardships, and the groundbreaking scientific achievements made through her research with Alex[1][3][4].
The Ravenmaster
My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London
Christopher Skaife
In this book, Christopher Skaife shares his life as the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London, responsible for the care and well-being of the seven ravens that reside there. The narrative includes the folklore, history, and superstitions surrounding the ravens, as well as insights into their behavior, social structure, and the unique challenges of caring for these intelligent and sometimes mischievous birds. Skaife also recounts his military background, his transition to becoming a Yeoman Warder, and the daily routines and anecdotes from his time as Ravenmaster.
Let the feathers fly! This week, a special avian hour. Stories from a Ravenmaster, a scientist, and a reluctant chicken farmer about the birds that made them as happy as a lark or as crazy as a loon. This episode is hosted by The Moth's former Artistic Director, Catherine Burns, and her parrot, Hamilton. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Storytellers:
The Ravenmaster at the Tower of London, Christopher Skaife, has a tough first day.
Dame Wilburn and her wife decide to raise chickens in Detroit.
Research scientist Irene Pepperburg forms a 30-year bond with a parrot named Alex.
The Moth 
