Parrots are known for their intelligence and vocal abilities, but Apollo, a 4-year-old African grey parrot from Saint Petersburg, Florida, has taken it to an extraordinary level. Apollo broke the Guinness World Record for the most items identified by a parrot in three minutes by successfully naming 12 objects on December 18, 2023. This remarkable achievement earned him a place in the Guinness World Records 2025 book, highlighting his impressive cognitive abilities, which are said to be on par with a human toddler. Apollo’s identification of objects like “bugs,” “books,” and “socks” showcases his advanced understanding of the world around him, a skill that has been carefully nurtured by his human parents, Dalton and Victoria Mason. They adopted him in 2020 and have since dedicated themselves to training Apollo using the Model/Rival method developed by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, which has helped him develop a large vocabulary and sophisticated problem-solving skills.
Beyond his training, Apollo enjoys a vibrant life filled with play and social interaction. He shares his home with two white-bellied caique sisters, Soleil and Ophelia, with whom he often plays. Apollo’s love for learning extends beyond his structured education, as he actively applies his knowledge in everyday activities, such as identifying his favorite toys, including a Super Mario figurine of the character Wario. His intelligence and playful personality have won him a significant following on social media, where fans are captivated by his charm and brilliance. Dalton and Victoria continue to nurture Apollo’s talents with the hope that he will one day be recognized as the smartest parrot ever. This goal seems well within reach given his incredible achievements so far.
