Arthur - Alex Foundation

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of our beloved colleague, Arthur. a A while back, Arthur was diagnosed with Kidney Disease. There is no cure but he had been doing well with treatment. Then, several months ago, Arthur became ill and was taken to the vet where he was diagnosed with Avian Bornavirus (ABV). Sadly, not enough is understood about this virus. It is a presumed causative virus that results in the symptoms of Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) which is fatal. It is neurotropic, which means that it is a virus that can infect nerve cells, often causing gastrointestinal dysfunction as well as several other neurological symptoms. We do not know how or when Arthur could have contracted this virus as he could have had it for years without showing symptoms, or it is possible he was born with it. The stress to his system caused by the kidney problems could have been the reason that the virus became active—that is, his immune system was no longer strong enough to keep it in check. There is no cure for ABV or PDD. He received treatment and diligent care for several months wherein he returned to his happy, childlike self. But sadly, a week ago he became ill again, was hospitalized, and passed away a few days later. We want to thank our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, students, and volunteers who worked relentlessly to give Arthur the best care and happiest life that he could have. Griffin is doing well, enjoying the undivided attention he gets in being an only bird. He has been tested and came back negative for ABV and with a clean bill of health. Arthur was only 14 years old. The sadness we are experiencing due to his loss cannot easily be put into words. The Lab will never be the same without his playful antics. We take comfort in knowing that Arthur had a truly wonderful life, surrounded every day by so many people that loved him. On March 8, 2013 / Blog / 79 Comments 79 Comments Lisa Bono 5:17 pm on March 10, 2013 I was able to meet this amazing little one and he remains etched forever in my heart. Log in to Reply Ellen 6:25 pm on March 10, 2013 Rest in peace, little one. Alex has been waiting for you. Log in to Reply Audrey 6:39 pm on March 10, 2013 Fly free, Wart. You were far too young to have crossed over to the Bridge. Give our love to Alex. <3 <3 <3 Log in to Reply Ellen Uittenbogaard 6:58 pm on March 10, 2013 I heard this saddest news last week.. Thinking of Irene P. en all Warts friends…. Log in to Reply Patricia Sund 7:04 pm on March 10, 2013 So sorry to hear of his passing. It pains me to hear about Arthur.

I am so, so sorry. But the work he participated will go on. Log in to Reply Elisa Koshkina 7:11 pm on March 10, 2013 I’m so sorry Arthur has passed away. We will all miss him. Log in to Reply Patricia A. Ellison 7:27 pm on March 10, 2013 I am so, so sorry to hear of Wart’s passing. Fly free with Alex, Wart. You will all meet again at the Rainbow Bridge. Log in to Reply Jan Strong 7:38 pm on March 10, 2013 RIP Arthur… I was very fortunate to meet you in person a few years ago. In that short time we where together you made your way into my heart… I will LOVE you forever & ever. Love & condolences to Irene, Arlene Levin-Rowe, Suzanne & all the greyt students at the Pepperberg Lab. Log in to Reply Judith Hamlet 7:42 pm on March 10, 2013 I am really saddened to hear this. It is much too soon for him to have passed and just awful. He will rejoin his friend Alex. Be free little greys, be free. Log in to Reply Tracy Adler 7:52 pm on March 10, 2013 I’m sorry to hear this and even more sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to feel what you and those who know Arthur are going through but know that there are many around the world thinking and praying for you and the work you do. Alex and now Arthur will always be missed and the work you do with the Greys will continue to bring the Avian world greater understand of these beautiful creatures and hopefully closer to finding a cure to this dreadful disease. Log in to Reply Paula Sloniegora 7:56 pm on March 10, 2013 I am so sorry to read this sad news. You were way too young to leave this earth. My sincere condolences to Irene and those at the Pepperberg Lab. My heart goes out to you all. RIP Wart. Log in to Reply Pat Hill 7:59 pm on March 10, 2013 I am so sorry to hear of Arthur’s passing. RIP King Arthur. My sympathy and condolences to Irene and all the people who have been closely associated with a very special being. Log in to Reply Menu 7:51 am on May 24, 2013 Thanks for conrtibutnig. It’s helped me understand the issues. Log in to Reply Maggie Wright 8:07 pm on March 10, 2013 Wart was like my fourth child, as he lived with Merlin, Sweetpea, and me for six months in 2001 while Dr. P changed labs. Have missed him ever since then,and even more now. He’s now free to fly and play in heaven and no longer in pain. Wishing love and light to a very special little fellow! You’ll be in my heart always. Blessings, Maggie, Merle & Pea Log in to Reply Kathleen Sullivan 9:52 pm on March 10, 2013 I am so terribly sorry to hear of his passing. I thought it had been longer since you had Wart. So sad to hear. Blessings to all who knew

and loved him. Take care Griffin. All the best to Irene Pepperberg and caretakers, and Arlene. Log in to Reply Brigitta Kruck Fernandes 8:14 pm on March 10, 2013 so sorry to hear of Wart’s passing , condolences to Dr Pepperberg, Arlene Levin-Rowe and all the people who worked at the Lab. RIP little one Log in to Reply Beverly Palumbo 8:24 pm on March 10, 2013 Was saddened to hear of another Alex foundation bird. He was a character and I know he will be missed by all. Fly free with Alex “wart” you are so missed already 🙁 Log in to Reply Betsy Lindsay 8:38 pm on March 10, 2013 I’m so very sorry to hear about Wart. I can’t believe he’s gone. My condolences to Irene and Arlene and everyone at the lab. Log in to Reply Paulette Bartley 8:50 pm on March 10, 2013 Goodbye sweet Arthur…you will be so missed by so many. Find Alex & be happy…RIP. My thoughts are with those who love you… Log in to Reply Jenny 9:10 pm on March 10, 2013 It is so sad to hear of Arthur’s passing. Fly free over the Rainbow Bridge. You will be forever in our Hearts. Jenny Log in to Reply Sue Mayer 9:21 pm on March 10, 2013 My condolences to Dr. Pepperberg, Arlene, Suzanne, and all of the students who had the privilege of knowing and working with Arthur ‘Wart’. I had the opportunity to meet him briefly a little over three years ago. He observed me as I sat next to him, and then looked at me the only way a grey can as if to say ‘who are you, and what do YOU want’. Fly free little one, and give my love to Alex. Log in to Reply Dimitri deharak 9:53 pm on March 10, 2013 I am really sorry to hear this awfull news. Please fly free little one restored to perfect health. Bask in the healing light of our Creator. Fly free Wart and join your brother AlEX at the bridge He has been waiting for your return! HE HAS MUCH TO TELL AND TEACH YOU I MISS YOU LITTLE ONE Dimitri Log in to Reply Allie 9:54 pm on March 10, 2013 So sad to hear this. I’m so sorry for your loss. Fly free sweet birdie. Log in to Reply patricia langford 10:12 pm on March 10, 2013 I’m so very sorry Arthur is gone way too soon. My condolences to Dr P and everyone who knew and loved him. Log in to Reply Cynthia LaChester 10:35 pm on March 10, 2013 So sad to hear we lost another family member at the lab.We will miss you Wart. So glad the you friend Griffin is ok, fly high little grey at the rainbow bridge with your buddy Alex. Sorry Dr. P your in my prayers. Cindy L Log in to Reply Amy Joyce 10:47 pm on March 10, 2013 OMG I just got the news. My dear sweet Wart. I will miss you sweet boy. I have some wonderful pictures and video I took o

f you the last time I was there. It was an honor to be your groomer for the short time I had with you. I love you sweet boy.. Fly Free Log in to Reply Ted Davids 10:47 pm on March 10, 2013 My condolences to Dr. Pepperberg and the lab staff on Arthur’s passing. We will all miss him and I am sorry to hear about his health struggles, but he is at peace now. Log in to Reply Matthew Wise 11:11 pm on March 10, 2013 RIP little buddy Log in to Reply Bob Kennedy 12:02 am on March 11, 2013 I met him back when he was Maggie Wright’s pet. He was a delightful guy. So sorry to hear this news. RIP Wart! Log in to Reply Debbie Goodrich 12:32 am on March 11, 2013 Sorry to hear that Wart has passed from such an awful disease. I look forward to the day we understand the disease much better than we do now. Log in to Reply dawn 12:32 am on March 11, 2013 Wings high Wart. Fly free Log in to Reply TERI CARLSON 1:50 am on March 11, 2013 I WAS TRULY SHOCKED AND SADDENED TO LEARN OF ARTHUR’S PASSING. HE IS WITH HIS BROTHER ALEX NOW. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO DR IRENE PEPPERBERG AND GRIFFIN ALONG WITH THE STUDENTS WHO CARED FOR ARTHUR EACH DAY. FLY HIGH AND FLY FREE ARTHUR *> Log in to Reply Char Oldham 3:27 am on March 11, 2013 I am so very sorry to hear of his death. I can imagine what you all are going through. So very young and so very loved. Log in to Reply diane emmerich 4:09 am on March 11, 2013 So sad to hear of Arthur’s passing. I know Alex is waiting for him. Fly free Arthur, you have been a blessing to us all. Log in to Reply carla jordan 4:18 am on March 11, 2013 How sad. I am so sorry for all of you I know he will be greatly missed as he joins alex in birdy paradise my baby is about l5 now and I would be devastated if something happened to her. Log in to Reply Barbara Platania 5:04 am on March 11, 2013 Just found out the sad news about Arthur…..My heart goes out to Dr Pepperberg, Arlene Levin-Rowe, and all the staff at the lab. He will be missed. Fly Free little guy, fly free with Alex <3 Log in to Reply Debi Schmitt 7:35 am on March 11, 2013 Such sadness. My condolance to Dr. P and all who were affected. Fly free now Wart. No pain. Alex is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. You were a good boy bird. Bless you. Log in to Reply Virginia Hayes 12:24 pm on March 11, 2013 I am deeply saddened by this news. Fy free little angel. You will be missed. Log in to Reply Kathy Waddell 1:49 pm on March 11, 2013 I send my sincere condolences to Dr. Pepperberg, Arlene and all the wonderful staff associates at the lab. I know all of your hearts are heavy with grief over the loss of Ar

thur “Wart”. Our only comfort at this time is to know that he is flying free with his pal, Alex! God bless you all, Kathy Waddell Log in to Reply Susan Dixon 2:26 pm on March 11, 2013 I am so very sorry to hear this devastating news. My sincerest condolences to Dr. Pepperberg, Arlene, Suzanne and all the Lab people who worked with Arthur. My prayers are with you in this time of loss. Fly free little Wart with your brother Alex, and bask in our Creator’s glory. Log in to Reply Susan Gibbs 3:27 pm on March 11, 2013 I am so sorry to hear this news. My condolences go out to Dr. Pepperberg, Arlene and all those who worked with Arthur. Hugs Susan Log in to Reply Paul Fisher 4:07 pm on March 11, 2013 Deepest condolences. Log in to Reply Judi L. 4:15 pm on March 11, 2013 Such sad news to hear about dear Wart. I am so sorry for all of you as I know your hearts are very, very hurt. It saddens me, too, because I have been following you all for a long time now and I feel like I know these sweet birdies so well. He was too young! My heart goes out to all of you, Dr. P. and all the staff who knew and loved him so well. Log in to Reply Callie 4:15 pm on March 11, 2013 My heart is heavy for your loss. Thank you for all the work you do with these beautiful birds. Log in to Reply Kate 4:39 pm on March 11, 2013 So, so sorry to hear about Arthur. My thoughts are with everyone at the Pepperberg lab. Kate x Log in to Reply Lynn 5:06 pm on March 11, 2013 I have been fortunate to sit in on a presentation of Dr. Pepperburg’s and she in one extraordinary lady. I am so sorry for the loss of Arthur and heartbroken for the doc. Arthur, fly free and breathe easy. xxx Log in to Reply sandra owens 5:06 pm on March 11, 2013 I am so sorry for your loss. It broke my heart to hear of his passing. After reading Alex and Me I became the mommy to 2 Grey’s. I feel your pain at losing Arthur. Take comfort in knowing he is with Alex and they are watching over you. d Log in to Reply Carol Kessler 5:10 pm on March 11, 2013 I am so so so sad to hear of this news. I know he was dearly loved by all of you at the lab and the work he participated in is vital to the study of animal cognition. Arthur’s vibrant 14 years will continue to live on in the literature of Grey Parrot intelligence and I imagine Griffin will forge ahead with all of you, making leaps and bounds with his angel colleagues looking on. I am ever grateful to Arthur, to Alex, to Griffin, and to you in the lab for your tireless contributions and hard work in the field of animal intelligence and cognition, specifically with Grey Parrots. I

am so sorry for the loss of Arthur and my thoughts are with Dr. Pepperberg, Griffin, and everyone at her lab. xoxo, carol Log in to Reply Jessie Monson 5:42 pm on March 11, 2013 I am so sorry to hear about Arthur. He and his work will truly be missed by the whole bird community. My condolences to his colleagues. Log in to Reply Eric Bungo 5:54 pm on March 11, 2013 My Thoughts and Prayers go to Dr Pepperberg, Arlene and everyone who Arthur has touched in his years on this earth. Alex is waiting for him so he can “say better”. Log in to Reply Chuck Dallas 6:16 pm on March 11, 2013 …I am absolutely devastated to learn of Arthur’s untimely passing! My condolences to Dr P & Arthur’s research staff! My own Grey is named King Arthur Alex, so as to honor the great one’s memory! The world is a little less beautiful today, Rest In Heavenly Peace Wart, fly free through the heavens with Alex! We will sorely miss you, and we shall never forget you, be well Griff, you must continue the march…Love from Chuck Dallas & King Arthur Alex Log in to Reply Marcia Kwarsick 6:22 pm on March 11, 2013 What unbelievable news! I am so terribly saddened by this! My thoughts and prayers go out to all at the Alex Foundation. God Bless you all! Log in to Reply Karen 6:52 pm on March 11, 2013 Rest in peace, sweet Wart. My Albert and PeeWee will greet you at the other side of the Rainbow Bridge with open wings. Log in to Reply Timothee Graze 8:19 pm on March 11, 2013 All love to Irene and Griffin Log in to Reply Laurie Baker 8:32 pm on March 11, 2013 Sometimes it’s hard not to wish for one more day, one more cute behavior or one more word, but be assured that Arthur had a good life and will join Alex with a light heart and fond memories. Log in to Reply Gail Armstrong 9:22 pm on March 11, 2013 This is such sad and frightening news! I have a Timneh and a Congo and I can’t imagine the pain~Prayers for all who loved Arthur! Log in to Reply Belinda &Luigi the Quaker parrot 9:36 pm on March 11, 2013 I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Alex is waiting for you at rainbow bridge, play well together. Big wing hugs Log in to Reply Julie Murad 9:48 pm on March 11, 2013 Those of us at TGF express our deep condolences to Dr. Pepperberg, her colleagues and staff, to the Alex Foundation and to all those who have gotten to know and share the wonderful work that began with Alex and continues to this day. Alex and Arthur may be gone, but they will never be forgotten. Log in to Reply Lisa B. 10:37 pm on March 11, 2013 I am so sorry on the crossing of Arthur. My heart breaks for Arlene, Dr. Pepperberg, ev

eryone at the lab and most especially for Griffin. Log in to Reply dou dou 11:11 pm on March 11, 2013 Aw, so sad. 🙁 RIP sweet bird Log in to Reply Ruth & Andy Mannich 12:31 am on March 12, 2013 We were so sorry to learn of Arthur’s passing. Log in to Reply Jane D 2:21 am on March 12, 2013 Fly free Arthur … we are very sadden at your loss. Condolences to Irene & Griffin. Alex and Arthur will be in our hearts forever. Jane and Chyna (Yellow Collared Macaw) Log in to Reply Barbara DelGiudice 5:15 am on March 12, 2013 I am so sad that Arthur has passed away. I give you my deepest sympathy for his passing. I will keep all of you, Griffin, Arthur and Wart in my daily prayers. Love, prayers and big hugs. Barb, Baby and Beenie :))) Log in to Reply Taryne Aprato 3:48 pm on March 12, 2013 I am devastated by this news! I still mourn the loss of Alex. Now Wart! Too, too soon! My most profound sympathies and deepest condolences to everyone at The Alex Foundation. God bless you, Arthur, sweet feathered angel ♥ Dr Pepperberg, you have my deepest respect. Please persevere! Log in to Reply Kathleen Carr 5:12 pm on March 12, 2013 I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences to all who worked with Arthur. Log in to Reply Barbara-Jean Landsperg 4:05 pm on March 13, 2013 Fly Free Wart So sorry For this tremendous loss . My thoughts and prayers are with everyone his passing will probably affect; at the Lab as well as the whole Avian Community. Log in to Reply Sharon 12:44 pm on March 14, 2013 I hope this tragedy will spark research into defeating Bornavirus. Log in to Reply Colleen 10:32 am on March 15, 2013 I will always love you, Wart! I know that you are at peace now with your brother Alex. We will all be with you again someday, and I know that you will look after Griffin and Irene. Log in to Reply Colleen 10:36 am on March 15, 2013 Just wanted to add that my deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Pepperberg Lab and everyone that has helped Wart over the years. I am still in complete shock and disbelief. I will pray for Wart and Alex always! RIP Log in to Reply Karen Smolenski` 3:14 pm on March 27, 2013 So sorry to hear of this loss…it tears a piece of your heart out when they go..they are such a big part of our lives and give us so much!! Log in to Reply Diane Burroughs 3:35 pm on March 28, 2013 So sad! Thank you so much for your very important research on helping us understand the wonders of parrots. Log in to Reply Mary Long 4:14 am on April 2, 2013 Very, very sorry to hear this horrible news. Poor little Wartlet. Sending love and best wishes to all of you. Log

in to Reply Violet 7:50 pm on April 10, 2013 So sorry to read about sweet little Arthur. My condolences to all who worked with him. As hard as it is to lose these beautiful creatures, we may be able to learn a little more about the diseases and how to prevent them in the future. Log in to Reply Kim and Larry Anderson 4:31 am on April 12, 2013 We send our condolences to all at the Pepperberg lab. Arthur, we never met you, but read much about you. You and Alex have so much to catch up on! Thank you for teaching us humans so much about your many dimensions. God bless you little guy. Log in to Reply Anna Parker 5:30 pm on April 28, 2013 My condolences to Dr. Pepperberg and to her students at the lab. Your research with colleagues, Alex and Aurthur, will open new opportunities. Their journey with you has made me realize that we as bird owners are not teaching them; they are in essence teaching us. Your research with them will never be forgotten and it is extremely important for it to continue. Log in to Reply Marie Fedrich 2:19 am on May 24, 2013 I have just finished reading Alex and Me. I was saddened by his sudden death. My cousin had an African Grey also and Smokey used to talk incessantly. Unfortunately at the young age of 10, they found him in the bottom of his cage. We never knew what the cause of his was from. The book about Alex reminded me so much of Smokey and the similarities in their actions. I just learned about the passing of Arthur and was so saddened. I hope that you are still working with Griffin as the things that these birds can do is amazing. Even though most animals can’t talk, I do believe that they do understand what we say to them. Dr. Pepperberg, please accept my condolences at the passing of these magnificent birds and please keep working with them as I know that they can provide knowledge that will enable us to speak with them and they will understand the language. Log in to Reply Renee Anderson 6:21 am on June 20, 2013 I just now learned of Arthurs passing and I am very saddened by the news. My beloved cockatiel passed from PDD (after several weeks and several thousands of dollars in vet bills). It is a terrible disease and I can only hope that someday they have an effective treatment for it. Please keep up all the hard work. You’re work with Alex was such an inspiration to me as a young girl. Log in to Reply Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Recent Comments ChickensGalore on 45th Anniversary of the Lab! Emily on Research at the Pepperberg Lab Gaasuba on Research at the Pepperberg Lab Suzanne on Re

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