Unlocking the Cage

An exploration of animal cognition along the evolutionary spectrum - from children to other intelligent primates to dolphins, parrots, elephants, dogs and even honeybees. Steven Wise finds answers to the big question in animal rights today: Where do we draw the line? He presents a firsthand account of the investigations of animal experts: Cynthia Moss and the affectionate families of Amboseli; Irene Pepperberg and her grey parrot, Alex; and Penny Paterson with the gorilla Koko. In many cases, Wise was even able to sustain an extended conversation with these extraordinary creatures.