Orangutans Using iPads by Rafaela Frota 1.6.12 Posted in Science & Technology That’s right, orangutans at select zoos were recently introduced to some of the apps targeted at children and are soon to Skype with other orangutans as well!
These animals share 97 percent of their DNA with humans and seemed to have an incredible reaction when initially introduced to the tablet. When asked about the matter, Trish Khan, Milwaukee County Zoo’s orangutan keeper said, “They like many of the free apps that I think children would like – they like the free apps where you can finger-paint, they like the apps where you can use the drums”.
It is believed that such interaction provide both physical and mental stimulations to the apes in captivity. Other facilities such as Zoo Atlanta and the Smithsonian National Zoo have joined forces with Orangutan Outreach and are now hoping to familiarize more orangutans with the gadget and accepting donations of gently used iPads.
As of now, the orangutans have not been left with complete possession of the tablet, for “as soon as we hand them over to the orangutans, we figure the lifespan could be as little as 15 seconds – whether they meticulously take them apart or just snap them in half,” and they must therefore, with the help of the zookeepers, interact with the device while still in captivity.
Whether we will develop tougher covers for the iPad or soon see an “Ape Apps” section at the App Store, is unclear, but some would say this is how Planet of the Apes truly began. How do you feel about this new approach?
Watch as Trish Khan talks about the program and the orangutans are seen in action:
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These animals share 97 percent of their DNA with humans and seemed to have an incredible reaction when initially introduced to the tablet. When asked about the matter, Trish Khan, Milwaukee County Zoo’s orangutan keeper said, “They like many of the free apps that I think children would like – they like the free apps where you can finger-paint, they like the apps where you can use the drums”.
It is believed that such interaction provide both physical and mental stimulations to the apes in captivity. Other facilities such as Zoo Atlanta and the Smithsonian National Zoo have joined forces with Orangutan Outreach and are now hoping to familiarize more orangutans with the gadget and accepting donations of gently used iPads.
As of now, the orangutans have not been left with complete possession of the tablet, for “as soon as we hand them over to the orangutans, we figure the lifespan could be as little as 15 seconds – whether they meticulously take them apart or just snap them in half,” and they must therefore, with the help of the zookeepers, interact with the device while still in captivity.
Whether we will develop tougher covers for the iPad or soon see an “Ape Apps” section at the App Store, is unclear, but some would say this is how Planet of the Apes truly began. How do you feel about this new approach?
Watch as Trish Khan talks about the program and the orangutans are seen in action:
Glad you liked it. Would you like to share? Facebook
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