African Grey Parrot pitches her own Kick Starter Project

Bibi is a six year old African Grey Parrot with a remarkable vocabulary and a dazzling personality. Bibi is also the first animal ever to pitch her own KickStarter Project! As you will see from her video, Bibi speaks in full sentences and can hold simple conversations across a variety of subjects. Now Bibi is excited about a great "Road Trip" with the help of KickStarter and all her amazing fans! 

Testimonials

patricia

I found Bibibirds 3yrs yrs ago this coming May. My Husband had passed away the year before I found Bibi. I was alone and feeling very depressed. THen Bibi came into my life and Bibi has helped my thru many lonely and depressing days. When you log in Bibi's site all of a sudden your laughing and feelin good. I also found many many good friends in the Chat Room because of Bibi. Bibi is all she is because of the Wonderful Humans in her life. So Beebs Good Luck Sweetie. Your soooooo loved by soooo many

Melissa

I have been watching Bibi for a long time. She brings such sunshine into my life! I asked for a advance on my Birthday Money to pledge to Bibi and her Road trip! It's worth every penney! I wish it could have been more, but now I feel that I am a part of this wonderful cause! Bibi Bird I love you! Bibi's family Thank You for sharing your little miracle with her close watchers and the World!!

afaith

After 4 plus years I am still laughing and loving Bibiburps. I am very grateful to Bibi's human family for allowing us into her home all these years! That is really something. Sharing her with so many in need, just makes it so worthwhile. Social work from your home! Bibi's magic keeps on giving and giving.

Judy

I think it's been 4 yrs now since I found Bibi! I was instantly hooked on this lil bird. :) As well as the family. You are an extended family to me and my husband Jeff. I would be honored to meet Bibi in person someday, I'll be so star struck. I'm positive Bibi will reach her goal and that this project gets off the ground. Thank you for allowing us into your homes each and everyday, you bring so much joy to all of us. ♥

CatnapJo

I'm so pleased to help make Bibi's goal a reality; she (and her amazing family) are a highlight of my day.

My mom was diagnosed with cognitive impairment 4 1/2 years ago and her mental health has taken a sharp decline over the past 10 months. No matter how challenging my times with Mom are, Bibi *always* makes me smile. And, usually, she has me downright laughing out loud.
Rock on, Bibi. You are indeed "so sweet."

BillieJo

Bibi, My sweet tweet, you've been an all day part of my life for 3+ years and each and every day you have brought such love and delight to my home and to so many others. Being a parrot owner and having raised Saddlebred horses, imported German Shepherds and being an active part of ARK (The Animal Rescue Konsortium) I know what it takes to raise animals & your human family is the dearest I've yet to meet. The love, caring, patience, concern & time they devote to you and the rest of the animal household is something to behold. I can thank you for being an integral part of my family and helping me to heal from numerous ills. God Bless you, if it weren't for you (and Ellen Degeneress) I'd be a basket case!! Thank you!! Didn't mind losing my house as long as I had a roof and a computer to be with you!! I truly LOVE you,
Billie Jo (GrannyBillie)

speedygrey

Bibi and her flock are a part of my everyday routine. i so look forward to watching Bibis antics and all her "talk". She has gotten me through some tough times, making me laugh til I cried. this family is the epitome of animal lover as far as I'm concerned and I wish them all the best in this endeavor.

Please take a few moments to read more comments on this project. They can say far better than I can why you should help fund the Bibi Road Trip. 

See Bibi in her Sleepy Bird Video

Bibi has been entertaining people of all ages with Internet videos and in a daily live web show "Watch the Birdie" on Ustream. Bibi's Youtube channel has more than ONE MILLION views. Bibi has been seen on CNN and received phone calls from the Ellen DeGeneres show to discuss live appearances. Just recently we were contacted about her auditioning for America's Got Talent. Bibi's large and growing fan base will be invaluable for spreading the word of this exciting Kick Starter project!  

Bibi's Live Reality Road Trip & Film 

The purpose of this project is a LIVE reality show "Road Trip" of Bibi visiting her wonderful friends and learning all new words, phrases, and concepts along the way. Bibi will visit schools to inspire children and nursing homes to lift the human spirit. Animal enthusiasts will get to watch one of the most gifted African Grey parrots push the boundaries of animal intelligence. The show will be entertaining, educational, and heart warming. 

At the end of the Road Trip we will produce a full length documentary film that will showcase Bibi's talent, highlights from the tour,  and the joy she has brought to her fans around the world. The film will be released on DVD and submitted to independent film festivals. 

If the project is funded we will be looking to Bibi's fans to shape the tour and the various activities and adventures that Bibi will undertake. This is going to be great fun for Bibi and all her awesome friends!

Remember this project is all or nothing! If Bibi can't reach the funding goal then she will get nothing and the project will not go forward!  

Why a parrot on a road trip?

Animals have been very successful in TV and film. Lassie, Mr. Ed, Willy, Benji, and of course, Alf have entertained tens of millions of people world wide. With the interest in reality TV we believe the Bibi "Road Trip" will have a strong appeal to audiences who enjoy networks such as Animal Planet, Science Network, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel.  

Bibi has one of the most remarkable vocabularies of any African Grey parrot and also loves to talk. But unlike the other animal actors mentioned above, Bibi is not trained to perform on command and she certainly is not trained to perform in front of an audience. Most believe Bibi has her family trained and there is probably a lot of truth to that.

As the road trip unfolds we will all get to watch as Bibi 'steps up' to face the world. We will have to take it slow. Perhaps very slow. The Road Trip with Bibi is going to require patience and small little "bibi steps" as she ventures out a little each day. Bibi's health and happiness will always come first and we have found she really loves meeting new people and 'going outside'. 

Bibi will start with short road trips to local wineries, parks, or maybe a small classroom. Will she talk? Of course she will. But it is going to take time. Bibi may take a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months before she is ready to do big road trips to other cities and states. 

If this project funds we can produce an entertaining fun reality show that also will explore the boundaries of animal intelligence and personality. Compared to many of the reality shows on TV this show will have real depth and is truly a "road trip" with no specific destination or outcome.

Bibi Videos on YouTube

• Bird Demands Steak
• Unedited Bibi talk
• Unedited live on webcam
• Bibi Dec 28th, 2011
• Parrot Speaks 20 Languages
• Short music video - Music by Spankin' Rufus!
• Bibi learning to identify and say bread
• Playing with popcorn and being sweet

Friend Bibi on Facebook!

Great Music!

Bibi's fans know how much Bibi loves music and how we love to play music as part of her live show! Bibi even has her own favorite song! All of Bibi's family has had a lifelong interest in playing music and discovering indie musicians. Bibi's tour kick off and videos has already lined up a great selection of amazing artists and bands including Keith Javors and Inarhyme Records, Jim Manley, Spankin Rufus, and Brian Granse! If this project is funded we will be featuring their awesome music and many more.

Great Food!

Bibi fans will all agree that the only thing Bibi likes more than good music is good food! We can expect to hear a lot of "I want some's" throughout her adventure! During the road trip Bibi will be sampling some of  America's greatest cuisine! Naturally Bibi will get very small portions and she will likely be eating much of the food as takeout... But Bibi will most certainly remember the foods she likes best and we can look forward to her critical reviews!

Bibi has already requested a special review section on her Road Trip website for America's top Pizza joints!

Great Destinations!

BIbi has fans all over the United States and we anticipate many future fans will be discovering Bibi because of this project. As part of this project we hope to uncover wonderful bed & breakfasts, beautiful scenery, and share some of America's greatest treasures with Bibi fans! Like any Road Trip we expect to find all sorts of great little spots scattered all along this great country! 

Our goal is for Bibi to bring great joy to school classrooms, nursing homes, daycare centers, and other locations all across America.

Other Bird Brains

Bibi is wicked smart but is certainly not the only amazing bird out there. Each of these birds have their own strengths and abilities. On this road trip we intend to showcase brilliant birds and other animals displaying remarkable abilities. 

Great Adventure! What will Bibi do next?

This road trip will be more than just a few weeks of Bibi in an RV doing the same old thing. Along the way we are sure Bibi will learn a ton of new concepts and be exposed to things she has never experienced before. The fun will be in seeing what Bibi will do next.

The road trip will also be part of great discovery and uncovering new opportunities. Already we have discussed searching for the perfect location to launch a Bibi's Bed & Breakfast. A secluded retreat in which her fans could come for a relaxing stay and a chance to visit Bibi and other wonderful animals. 

Perhaps Bibi will do a children's show where Bibi plays a part in teaching  colors, shapes, numbers, and names of objects as she visits daycare centers across America? Maybe Bibi will do a spot in a TV commercial? Maybe she'll get to meet somebody famous or appear on a talk show? The best part about a Road Trip is that there is no destination and that the best of things can happen when you least expect it. We are looking forward to all sorts of great ideas from Bibi's amazing fans.

Behind the Scenes

We don't just want to produce a great road trip show and film, we want to let you see the behind the scenes. Teaching sessions and general bird care will be discussed as well as live chat discussion where you can submit your own questions. With Bibi live people can see first hand as we try various techniques and attempt to create an interactive environment between Bibi and her fans.

Over the years Bibi has continued to not only learn but become more adventerous. A few years ago it would take days to introduce Bibi to a new toy. Now she will attack many toys in the first few seconds she sees them. A few years ago Bibi would talk very litle in front of family and friends. Now she can talk up a storm. Still there will be more to do before she is ready for a big road trip. 

Now Let's Fund This Thing!

Thank you for taking the time to read about Bibi's Kickstarter project. Without Bibi's wonderful caring fans we would not be taking on this great adventure. We look forward to seeing you on the road!!!!

More about Bibi (If you are still not convinced to fund this project!)

Many people still believe a bird like Bibi only "parrots" and do not really understand what they are saying. This is not true for many African Greys and it is certainly not true for Bibi. Even as I'm typing this Bibi is saying phrases such as "Whatcha cookin?", "I want some pizza!", "Kelly's cooking!" because it is lunch time and there really is cooking going on. Bibi tells us when she wants to go to bed at night using phrases such as "Goodnight", "Buenos Noches", "I'm a sleepy bird", "Can I go to sleep", "Ready to go to bed".  When someone leaves she says "Goodbye", "I'll miss you", and "Adios".  These are not isolated events and Bibi's live web fans watch her communicate intelligently every day across a wide variety of subjects and events.

African Grey Parrots are well known for their cognative and speaking abilities and Bibi has a gift that even few African Greys possess. Bibi now communicates to us in full sentences, asks for what she wants, demands specific foods, and even talks to us using our own names. First time viewers of Bibi's talent are often left in shock and disbelief. Some of Bibi's most loyal fans are themselves bird and parrot owners that can truly appreciate what a rare talent Bibi really is. 

Those not experienced with the intelligence of the African Grey species sometimes accuse Bibi of being a fake simply because most people can't believe a bird with a brain the size of a walnut can demonstrate such intelligence. Her web fans however can testify that Bibi is 100% real!

Bibi creates her own phrases and sentences

Bibi not only understands the words she uses, she is also forming them into full sentences. One of her first basic phrases she learned was "I want some". She would use this phrase anytime she sees us eating something she may like. Now Bibi "wants" many things. She can say "I want to go outside" or "I want to go see Greg/Kelly" or "I want to step up" (means get up on your finger) or even ask for one of her favorite foods such as "I want some pizza" or "I want chicken". Bibi continues to evolve her communication to include new concepts. 

During this winter Bibi learned that she couldn't go outside because it was too cold. So now she says "i want to go SEE outside" knowing that she will get to step up and go look out a big window so she can see outside. These are not phrases she was really trained to say the way you would train a dog or most animals. Instead Bibi learns much like a toddler would through observation, deliberate communication and reinforcing her when she is right.

Bibi is not a "trick" bird

Unlike many birds who are conditioned to do tricks on command or 'perform', we are not raising Bibi in this manner. Bibi does what she wants and is her own bird. Sure Bibi can do tricks and we do them with her regularly to challenge her a bit and keep her on her toes. For the most part however Bibi is left to her own creativity and personality to decide what we are talking about and what she wants to do with her time. By teaching and working with Bibi as you would a young toddler she has continued to learn and grow her personality to the point that she can now speak in full sentences and carry on short conversations.

Bibi's Family

Eric Moss - Eric received Bibi as a birthday gift on May 15th, 2006. Bibi loves calling out to Eric and always says heartfelt "bye bye's" when Eric leaves. She loves ordering Eric to 'do some cooking' or repeatedly making him get up to get her berries. 

Eric is an Internet marketing guru and consultant. Eric has also been a world traveler visiting over 15 countries and can speak English, Spanish, Chinese, German, and Bibi Talk. Eric is also an accomplished martial artist and can cook up some great food as well! Other hobbies include reading, history, and (gasp) politics.

Kelly Stuart - Kelly is Greg's wife and could perhaps be known as the bird whisperer.  Bibi loves all the people in her family and bonds well with friends and visitors. But like most Greys, Bibi does have her 'one and only' and Bibi's love is Kelly.  Everyday Kelly demonstrates her great talent and expertise in bird handling on Bibi's live web cam.   

Kelly is an expert programmer, provides IT consulting and has developed many successful websites. She is a great artist, writer, and athlete.  Her amazing Bibi videos have more than one million views on Youtube alone. Kelly has also been an adventurous world traveler with treks from Mexico to Austria. Hobbies also include music, reading, camping, and movies. 

Greg Moss - Greg is Kelly's husband and Bibi's biggest #1 fan! Bibi loves asking Greg a lot of questions. Bibi has been relentlessly pushing Greg to finish the Kickstarter project so that she can get going outside and start her road trip.

Greg is the Kick Start project leader and has over 20 years in IT and Business Consulting. Hobbies include playing the trumpet, music, movies, and video games.

Sidekick Gracie

Bibi also shares our home with another African Grey Parrot named Gracie. Gracie is a very sweet and smart bird but like most parrots is limited to a few words and phrases. One of the exciting dynamics of Bibi and Gracie's relationship is that Bibi really wants Gracie to talk and does everything she can to reinforce her. When Gracie says "hello", Bibi will often immediately reply "Good talking Gracie".  Sometimes Bibi will just say straight out "I want Gracie to talk". When Gracie makes loud or annoying sounds Bibi has been known to say phrases such as "awww Gracie don't do that". One of Bibi's funniest phrases following a series of obnoxious outbursts from Gracie was "that needs to stop". 

Our intention is to take Gracie on the road with Bibi at some point. Gracie is learning from Bibi but she has issues with feather plucking and general behavior issues that will have to be resolved before she can road trip. During Bibi's Road Trip  we will also be following Gracie's development and hoping to see her continue to grow and be happy. Bibi's family is starting to believe it maybe hard for a bird like Gracie that can communicate with only a few words to see Bibi communicate so effortlessly. Bibi is a great mentor and you can tell she really wants to communicate and talk with Gracie in the way she can with the rest of the family. 

Where does my money go?

Bibi's Road Trip will involve cross country romps in a motor home big enough to allow us to maintain the live webcam show that Bibi's fans currently enjoy. We want as much of Bibi's Road Trip to be live for all her fans to see. Here is a basic breakdown of some of the expenses of this project:

• Motorhome rental and the gas to go in it.  While we could obviously do this road trip in a car we believe that a motorhome will be far better for the filming and creating a more fun atmosphere while on the road.
• 4G or Satelitte Internet for the RV and live broadcast of Bibi's adventures where available. We will try and choose travel routes that will allow us a maximum of live webcam time with Bibi.
• Cameras and other video equipment
• Motel / bed & breakfast stays at some locations
• Safety and security precautions
• Video editing and post production processing
• DVD mastering and creating quality artwork
• Advertising and marketing of Bibi's live road tour plus her Great Adventure DVD

Project Disclaimer

Bibi's Health and Well-being: Because Bibi is a loved family member and loved by fans all over the world Bibi's health and happiness will always come first in this project. We will be consulting with the best avian trainers and vets to make sure her tour is a safe and happy one. In the case of medical needs or emergencies we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel tours and visitation dates. The DVD will be produced with available video and content regardless of the road trip duration.

Road Trip and DVD: The road trip will likely take place over several months and involve many shorter road trips instead of one big long road trip. DVD length will be at least 60 minutes in length. The name of the "road trip" and/or DVD may be changed for creative, marketing, or legal reasons. 

Postage: Postage is paid on all rewards shipped in the United States. International orders please add $10 to your pledge to help cover increased shipping costs.

Visits with Bibi: For safety and health reasons Bibi may not be handled, touched or petted by anyone other than her family or a designated handler. We reserve the right to end a visit for any reason. For security and safety purposes we may ask for a photo identification. It has not been determined if personal pictures or video will be allowed during Bibi visits.

Bibi Learning Phrases: Any sponsorships that involve Bibi learning or speaking phrases are provided in good faith. While Bibi currently learns many words and phrases in a matter of days, no guarantee can be made that Bibi will learn any new words or phrases.  Regardless of the success of Bibi learning new phrases we will provide footage and clips of training attempts.

Live Broadcast: We hope to provide daily broadcasts while on the tours. The quality and frequency of live broadcasts cannot be guaranteed. While we will attempt to produce a child friendly show we cannot make any guarantees that profanity or inappropriate content will not slip through during a live broadcast.