The documentary “Parrot Kindergarten” delves into the emotional landscape of grief as experienced by Ellie, a parrot, and her owner, Jen Taylor-O’Connor. Through their unique communication, the film highlights the profound bond between humans and their pets, particularly during times of loss. It portrays grief not merely as sorrow, but as a vital expression of love that deserves acknowledgment.
Grief often goes unrecognized, especially when it pertains to the loss of pets. Taylor-O’Connor noted, “When you lose a pet, the world sees it like you’ve lost maybe a quarter of a human.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many pet owners, who often face societal pressure to move on swiftly from their grief. The documentary showcases Ellie’s journey through grief, sparked by her memories of her sister parrot, Lily, who passed away years prior.
Ellie, a Goffin’s cockatoo, uses a tablet with an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to express her feelings. Taylor-O’Connor added a grief menu to Ellie’s speech board, which unexpectedly triggered Ellie to initiate conversations about Lily. “I was taken aback,” she remarked. “I honestly wasn’t ready to have any kind of conversation about it.” This interaction prompted a shared grieving process between the two, offering insight into the emotional depth that animals can experience.
Understanding Grief in Animals
The film captures moments of Ellie reminiscing about Lily, engaging with photos, and even discussing her feelings with strangers. Taylor-O’Connor observed changes in Ellie’s behavior that indicate grief, such as flattening of her eyes and drooping feathers. “Her body language actually goes into a pain body language,” she explained. This behavior illustrates that animals, much like humans, can experience and express grief in their own ways.
Ellie’s insistence on remembering Lily serves as a reminder of the emotional complexities surrounding grief. Taylor-O’Connor shared, “It made me realize how profoundly animals grieve each other, and how shocking it must be to have someone part of your life every single day be gone.” The documentary emphasizes the importance of providing outlets for animals to process their grief and communicate their feelings.
Moreover, Taylor-O’Connor addressed societal biases regarding pet loss, stating that many people view the death of a pet as less significant than that of a human. She highlighted that for many pet owners, losing a pet can feel akin to losing a child. “It’s like losing a significant part of your family and your life,” she noted. This perspective challenges the notion that grief should be minimized or rushed.
Communication and Connection
Ellie’s ability to communicate her needs and emotions has transformed her relationship with Taylor-O’Connor. The parrot’s use of the AAC device has enabled her to express thoughts such as, “Can you die while you’re feeling good?” This inquiry reflects a deep understanding of mortality that transcends species, showcasing the potential for interspecies communication.
The documentary also touches on the broader implications of animal cognition and emotional expression. Taylor-O’Connor emphasized the need for scientific validation of animal communication, recognizing the biases that often undermine the intelligence of non-human animals. “There is definitely a bias that humans are incredible, and nobody else can be as incredible as us,” she remarked.
With over 1,500 options on Ellie’s speech board, her vocabulary continues to expand. Taylor-O’Connor shared that Ellie is currently learning uppercase letters and numbers, demonstrating her capacity for learning and engagement. “Ellie’s path is she’s teaching herself uppercase letters right now,” Taylor-O’Connor explained, showcasing the remarkable intelligence of Goffin’s cockatoos.
“Parrot Kindergarten” is set to release in select theaters on November 3, 2023. The documentary not only highlights the emotional landscape of grief but also advocates for a deeper understanding of the bonds shared between humans and animals. It encourages viewers to recognize the validity of grief, regardless of its source, and to appreciate the connections that enrich our lives.
As the film unfolds, it invites audiences to reflect on their relationships with their pets and the profound ways in which animals experience love and loss.
