Jako, a male parrot who speaks little but understands too much.

I don't want to embellish this too much because anyone familiar with this species knows they aren't birds for just anyone. This male African Grey Parrot has been with us for a little over four years and has a very distinct personality. He's not aggressive, but he is observant, very aware of everything that's going on, and quite selective with people. With those he trusts, he behaves wonderfully: he perches on our arms, asks to go outside, makes specific sounds when he wants attention, and even repeats a couple of words he learned from listening to us every day. There are afternoons when he remains completely silent, watching us work as if he understands everything. The reason for adopting him isn't because he misbehaves, but because my situation changed considerably, and I'm away from home for many hours at a time. A parrot like this needs conversation, stimulation, and routine, and leaving him to live alone with just food and water would be a miserable life. I want him to end up in a home where they know that an African Grey Parrot isn't an ornament; it's a highly intelligent animal that deteriorates if ignored.