Clever Parrot Becomes Internet Sensation After Secretly Using Alexa to Order Snacks Online

A remarkably clever parrot named Rocco has captured global attention after learning how to use Amazon’s Alexa to order snacks and toys while left home alone. The African grey parrot, who lives in the United Kingdom, demonstrated an unexpected level of intelligence by mimicking human speech well enough to issue voice commands to the smart assistant—much to the surprise of his owner.

According to People, Rocco figured out how to interact with Alexa by carefully copying phrases he heard from humans in the household. Using these commands, the parrot managed to add items such as strawberries and broccoli to Amazon shopping lists. In some cases, he even attempted to place full orders, highlighting both his vocal precision and his mischievous personality.

As reported by MSN News, Rocco’s journey began when he was taken in by the National Animal Welfare Trust, a UK-based animal charity. He was later adopted by Marion Wischnewski, who soon noticed his unusual fascination with Alexa. Over time, Rocco began “chatting” with the device regularly, occasionally triggering shopping-related commands without anyone else in the room. His owner only realized what was happening when unexpected items started appearing in her online shopping cart.

Further details shared by CNBC revealed that Rocco also attempted to order ice cream treats and toys. While Alexa’s safeguards prevented many purchases from being completed, the fact that a parrot could activate the system at all astonished both technology experts and animal lovers. Wischnewski described the experience as equal parts shocking and amusing, noting that Rocco seemed to enjoy the attention and the reactions he received.

The story quickly went viral, spreading across social media and news platforms worldwide. Many viewers were entertained by the incident, while others saw it as a fascinating example of the advanced cognitive abilities of African grey parrots. According to National Geographic and animal behavior experts, African greys are among the most intelligent bird species in the world, capable of understanding context, solving problems, and using language in meaningful ways.

Experts also pointed out that Rocco’s behavior highlights a broader issue surrounding voice-activated technology. As smart assistants become more common in households, accidental or unintended activations—whether by children, pets, or even televisions—are increasingly possible. Amazon has since emphasized the importance of security settings such as voice recognition and purchase confirmations to prevent unauthorized orders.

Ultimately, Rocco’s story serves as both a lighthearted viral moment and a reminder of the surprising intelligence of animals. It also underscores how seamlessly technology has integrated into daily life—sometimes with hilarious and unexpected consequences.

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Reputable sources referenced:

• People

• MSN News

• CNBC

• National Geographic (animal intelligence background)