Apps For Apes - An Orangutan Enrichment Program Using IPads
12 years ago
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Posted
9th May, 2012 17h13
Clip from Milwaukee County Zoo
Orangutans are highly intelligent creatures and they require mental stimulation to keep from growing bored and depressed. Every orangutan is a unique individual with his or her own particular likes and dislikes, and freedom of choice is critical to their well-being. They like to choose everything from their afternoon snack to their daytime companions and sleeping area. What they do each day depends on how they feel, and the more choices they have, the better. Just like humans, orangutans like options.
The quality of life of orangutans living in zoos and sanctuaries is dependent on the amount and type of enrichment they receive on a daily basis. With the Apps for Apes project, we propose to introduce Apple’s touchscreen technology to orangutans in order to provide them with unlimited enrichment opportunities.
The Apple iPad is a perfect device for orangutans, as their innate ability to work with touchscreen technology has already been demonstrated in facilities such as Zoo Atlanta and the Smithsonian National Zoo. With proper guidance, orangutans will be able to use their devices just like humans do-- to spend their time doing things that they enjoy. They will have access to music, games, movies, cartoons, art, painting, drawing, photos and videos. Among other things, they will be able to see photos and videos of other orangutans.
Apps for Apes will be especially beneficial for orangutans living in zoos in Northern climates. During the long winter season, these orangutans spend long stretches of time in their indoor holding areas. The devices will allow them to have a virtually unlimited supply of mental stimulation literally at their fingertips.
The device will also be incredibly useful for educating orangutans in rehabilitation programs. It can show images of foods they can eat as well as those to avoid. They will be able to learn about predators and learn how to climb and navigate their way around the treetops by watching video footage of orangutans in action.
More on Apps For Apes...
If you have a gently used iPad that you'd like to donate to an orangutan, let us know! We have a growing list of orangutans who want to join the project! {:(|}
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