The Moth Radio Hour: Birds of a Feather
The Moth
Deep Dive
Why are ravens kept at the Tower of London by royal decree?
Ravens are kept at the Tower of London by royal decree due to an ancient myth that if the ravens leave, the Tower will crumble and great harm will befall the kingdom. Six ravens are maintained to prevent this.
What happened during Christopher Skaife's first day as Ravenmaster?
On his first day, Christopher Skaife accidentally let one of the ravens, Munin, escape. She flew away but eventually returned to the Tower, leading to a dramatic rescue attempt involving climbing the White Tower.
What unusual behavior did Dame Wilburn's chickens exhibit?
Dame Wilburn’s chickens exhibited unusual behavior, including one chicken, a Plymouth Barred Rock, crowing like a rooster. Chickens are natural lesbians in the absence of a rooster, and one of them 'butched up.'
What cognitive abilities did Alex the parrot demonstrate?
Alex the parrot demonstrated advanced cognitive abilities, including labeling over 150 objects, identifying colors, shapes, and materials, understanding concepts like 'same and different,' and even spelling out words like 'nut' to express his desires.
How did Irene Pepperberg's relationship with Alex challenge scientific norms?
Irene Pepperberg treated Alex like a colleague rather than a subject, maintaining scientific objectivity while fostering a deep bond. This approach challenged traditional methods of animal research, which often involved deprivation and isolation.
What was the global reaction to Alex the parrot's death?
Alex's death garnered global attention, with thousands of emails, letters, and media coverage, including three articles in The New York Times and an obituary in The Economist. His impact on the study of animal intelligence was widely recognized.
- Royal decree to keep six ravens at the Tower of London
- Ravens are highly intelligent and can be mischievous
- A raven's escape and subsequent rescue