Rocco the Parrot Secretly Used Alexa to Order Snacks and Toys While No One Was Home

It sounds like a joke you might expect to read online, but for Marion Wischnewski it quickly became an unexpected reality inside her own home. After returning from work in Didcot, Oxfordshire, she would sometimes open the door to hear music already playing, filling the house with sound despite no one else being there. At first, it was easy to assume someone had forgotten to turn the music off before leaving, or that the device had activated on its own. Over time, however, the pattern became impossible to ignore. The music was too specific, too frequent, and often completely different from anything she would normally choose.

The explanation turned out to be far more surprising than a technical fault. Her African grey parrot, Rocco, had developed a fascination with the household Amazon Alexa device and learned how to interact with it. Rocco was not simply copying sounds for amusement. He was listening, remembering, and repeating commands with enough clarity that Alexa responded. What began as an amusing novelty slowly revealed itself to be something more deliberate when Wischnewski discovered that items were being added to the shopping list without her knowledge, all thanks to a parrot who had learned how modern homes work.

A Parrot With a Talent for Talking and Ordering

African grey parrots are already well known for their intelligence and vocal abilities, but Rocco’s behavior showed a level of understanding that still surprised his owner. Rather than repeating random phrases, he appeared to understand which words produced results. When he spoke to Alexa, music played. When he named food items, they appeared on the shopping list. This clear cause and effect suggested that Rocco had learned how the device worked simply by listening to the people around him.

Over time, the Alexa shopping list began filling up with a familiar selection of items. Rocco repeatedly requested strawberries, watermelon, raisins, broccoli, and ice cream, suggesting a strong interest in treats he already enjoyed. Alongside food, he also added unexpected household items such as light bulbs, a kite, and even a kettle. These additions were not noticed straight away and only came to light when Wischnewski asked Alexa to read the list aloud, revealing just how active Rocco had been while she was away.

Thankfully, no surprise parcels arrived at the door. Wischnewski explained that the household had protections in place that required logging in before orders could be completed, allowing her to cancel the items in time. Even so, the discovery was a clear reminder of how observant and capable Rocco had become simply by being part of a modern, technology filled household.

How Rocco Came to Live With Alexa

Rocco’s unusual connection with technology began after a difficult start in life. He was taken in as a stray by the National Animal Welfare Trust in the United Kingdom, where staff worked to care for him and assess his needs. While he quickly showed intelligence and personality, he also developed a reputation for using bad language, something that made it challenging for him to remain in the charity’s shared spaces.

Marion Wischnewski, who works with the trust, decided to take Rocco into her home, believing she could give him the stability and attention he needed. Once settled, Rocco became part of everyday family life, observing routines and interactions from his perch. Alexa, which sat in a central part of the house, was frequently used by the whole family, making it a constant presence that Rocco could hear and study.

“The whole family uses it as it’s in the main part of the house,” Wischnewski explained. “I guess that’s why Rocco got used to Alexa because we all talk to it, so he’s just joining in.” Over time, Alexa stopped being a piece of technology to Rocco and instead became another voice he could communicate with.

Music, Dancing, and Romantic Soundtracks

Music soon became one of Rocco’s favorite ways to interact with Alexa. Wischnewski often returned home to find songs already playing, sometimes setting an unexpectedly calm or romantic atmosphere throughout the house. These moments were confusing at first, especially when no one else had been home to request the music.

“Often I come home from being out all day and find romantic music playing,” Wischnewski said. “And he loves a boogie with Alexa. But it has to be something fast, like his favorite Kings of Leon.” According to her, Rocco does not simply sit and listen. He actively dances, moving along to the rhythm in a way that makes his musical preferences impossible to miss.

While Alexa sometimes plays slower songs, Rocco generally prefers upbeat tracks and rock music. His ability to request specific styles shows how closely he has watched and copied the way humans make requests, turning a simple voice assistant into a source of entertainment throughout the day.

Why African Grey Parrots Are So Intelligent

Rocco’s behavior may seem unbelievable, but experts say it fits with what is already known about African grey parrots. They are widely considered one of the most intelligent bird species in the world, capable of understanding context rather than simply mimicking sounds.

These parrots are known to associate words with outcomes, meaning they understand that certain phrases lead to specific results. They also learn through observation, carefully watching routines and copying behavior over time. In Rocco’s case, he likely noticed that when people spoke to Alexa, music played or lists were updated shortly afterward.

By repeating the same phrases and tones, Rocco was able to trigger those same responses himself. This explains why his interactions were purposeful rather than accidental, showing a level of problem solving that continues to fascinate both experts and the public.

Smart Technology and Unexpected Users

Rocco’s story highlights a growing issue with voice activated technology in modern homes. Devices like Alexa respond to sound rather than intent, which means they can take commands from anyone who speaks clearly enough, regardless of who should actually be in control.

This has led to similar incidents in the past. In one case, a six year old child in Texas ordered a $160 dollhouse and four pounds of sugar cookies using a voice assistant. In another, a child in Utah reportedly ordered $350 worth of Barbies and a toy pony without realizing the consequences.

Rocco adds a new and unexpected dimension to this trend. Unlike children, who often act out of curiosity, Rocco appears to have learned intentionally, showing how animals can adapt quickly when technology becomes part of their environment.

Putting Safeguards in Place

After realizing what was happening, Wischnewski took steps to prevent Rocco from continuing to place orders. She added a PIN code requirement for purchases and began checking the shopping list more regularly to make sure nothing unexpected appeared.

“There is always a chance he could learn [the PIN],” she said. “But so far, he hasn’t.” Because PIN codes are spoken out loud, the concern remains that Rocco could eventually copy it, just as he copied the commands that allowed him to use Alexa in the first place.

For now, the safeguards appear to be effective, but living with such an intelligent parrot means remaining alert. Rocco has already shown that he is capable of learning far more than anyone initially expected.

A Lighthearted Reflection

Rocco’s story has resonated with readers because it blends humor, intelligence, and everyday technology in a way that feels both surprising and relatable. The idea of a parrot ordering ice cream, dancing to rock music, and chatting with a smart speaker has captured attention around the world.

At the same time, the story reflects how deeply technology has become embedded in daily life. Smart devices are now so common that even animals can observe how they work and find ways to interact with them.

For Wischnewski, the experience has been more amusing than stressful. Rocco may not understand shopping budgets or online payments, but he clearly understands cause and effect. His story serves as a reminder to double check the shopping list and to appreciate just how intelligent and adaptable animals can be.