Parrot Kindergarten

This beautiful film brings to the screen a story of suppressed intellect that needed a vehicle. This applies both to Jen & her parrot Ellie. The unfolding of a lawyer becoming a scientist & her parrot finding a way to express herself is charming & moving but also fascinating. The science is ever present. Themes of perseverance & finding peace through healing & community are interwoven with the facts of animal congnition. A must see! Even my middle schoolers were enrapt. I feel educated, empowered, & heart warmed. This is something special. Whether you work with animals, nonverbal humans, attachment challenges, adoptees, grief, research, this film is multifaceted & will leave you changed by what you witness.

I love this film! How can we do better for our pets? Can they tell us what they need? Can they tell us what they feel? What kind of evidence is needed before science accepts that we can communicate across species? Can a bird help heal our trauma? Can we help heal theirs?

This beautiful film addresses all these questions. I love the work Jen is doing with her birds and other animals. It is groundbreaking, fascinating and it touches an emotional chord that I didn't expect. If you love animals you already have a big heart. Watching this film will make it even bigger and it will make you a better pet parent.

It all started with a quiet girl who grew up to be a world changer. Jen is the embodiment of kindness strength and love. She's also a lawyer, scientist, and mom to parrots who can read!

I smiled almost the entire time although I teared up a couple of times. The science itself is so exciting and try not to fall in love with sassy Ellie!

Watching history unfold on social media is one highlight of our era. Jen and her parrots will be remembered for this groundbreaking research and finding about animals minds and emotional intelligence. She persisted when faced with naysayers over and over and the science is becoming undeniable. Cognitive dissonance in humans minds will take more time.

It's just a great story! Go see it.

This documentary was pulling at the heart string from the first few minutes. Seeing Jen's journey, meeting the birds through the screen and seeing their successes felt so real. This is a must watch for anyone interested in animal behaviour, for pet owners, and for scientists.

This documentary shows that we can all do better for the animals in our world, and we can start by taking one step at a time. It presses that animals are our companions, not decor, and their feelings and wellbeing are so very important.

Have tissues ready, you will need them. This is such a beautiful documentary that I hope touches the hearts of every viewer.

I've been following Jen online for years and am amazed at her persistence and creativity that led to a wonderful relationship with her birds -especially Ellie. Watching them progress was mesmerizing, and seeing it put all together in this film was a great experience. I wish I had the time and patience to work with my parrots and dogs to create a closer relationship.

I had never met anyone that had been in a cult and left. I always assumed that they would be messed up for life. But not Jen. I was so impressed that she had such strength and sense of self to put her life back together and to thrive.

I know that Jen and her work will have a round impact on inter-species communication.