It is a generally accepted principle that science fact demands
data, normally in statistically significant quantities. Anecdote
and observation are sufficient to prompt theories, but proof
requires the indisputable results of test and experiment. However,
in any metaphysical field such parameters are unobtainable and thus
this marvellous little book about animal consciousness and
intelligence is frank in its admission that undocumented
observations, stories and events can only suggest the existence of
phenomena such as animals employing humour, solving problems or
understanding human keepers. Linden is well travelled, well read
and obviously a keen and careful listener, but most importantly he
retains a pragmatic honesty throughout his analysis of these
extraordinary tales. He recognizes uncomfortable and confusing
handicaps such as anthropomorphism and circles each carefully
described event with a sharp investigative eye leaving the reader
to decide just how clever a parrot is or how cunning an Orang-utan
can be. One notable Orang, Fu Manchu, hid a piece of wire beneath
his lip and used it to pick locks at every opportunity - he became
an honorary member of the American Association of Locksmiths. The
accounts span the entire spectrum of the animal kingdom and have
been recounted to the author by laymen, keepers and scientists
alike. You don't need to be a scientist or even a naturalist to
enjoy these stories because this is a refreshing and highly
readable review of animal behaviour, a must for anyone who believes
their cat, dog, budgie or even hamster is more than a dumb animal.
Review by CHRIS PACKHAM (Kirkus UK)
A gorilla shrewdly sells back a missing key chain to the highest bidder. An orangutan picks a lock to let himself out of his zoo enclosure and two elephants adopt a tag-team strategy to keep their handlers from putting them back into theirs. In The Parrot's Lament, noted environmentalist Eugene Linden offers more than one hundred true anecdotes about animal acts of cooperation, heroism, escape--even tales of deception or manipulation of human beings. Drawing on the first-person experiences of veterinarians, field biologists, researchers, and trainers, Linden has compiled a warmly entertaining and powerfully persuasive argument for animal consciousness that, while not human, far exceeds what humans usually grant animals. Scientifically sound and emotionally compelling, The Parrot's Lament contains remarkable stories that are sure to resonate with animal lovers, turning skeptics everywhere into believers.
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