Breaking science shows animals may communicate and have more sentience than humans realize. “Parrot Kindergarten” follows the journey of a woman, Jennifer Taylor O’Connor, and a Goffin’s cockatoo named Ellie as they heal from past traumas, bond and learn together. The documentary was directed by islander Amy Herdy and put into production under the company she co-founded, Covetower.

“What if animals know more than we know? What if they are capable of communication, of feeling, of love and loss?” O’Connor asks in the opening of the film. Both a teacher and a lawyer, O’Connor worked with Ellie on communication, starting with letters and words on cards. She then developed a system where Ellie can select images on a tablet using her beak and tongue. Topics on the tablet range from treats, acti

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