Barnorama All Fun In The Barn
Zookeepers at 12 zoos across the country are experimenting with how orangutans use iPads and the results are really amazing.
Twelve zoos across the country have joined the “Apps For Apes” program, experimenting with how apes interact with iPads.
According to the Smithsonian’s video above, each ape has different preferences as to which apps they like to use. Which is amazing and awesome.
At the Toronto Zoo, zookeepers have had similar experiences, giving their apes a selection of memory and painting games. They also play YouTube videos for orangutans.
Aside from entertaining the apes, The Toronto Zoo is also experimenting with using apps to help the apes better communicate.
Because iPads are obviously very fragile and apes are obviously not very careful, app use is strictly under the guidance of a zookeeper as of right now.
But many zoos involved with the program are looking toward building sturdier, more ape-friendly iPad casings.
Interestingly enough, apes using apps isn’t particularly new. The Smithsonian National Zoo’s orangutans have used some form of touch-screen monitor since 1994 to test their cognitive abilities.
Let’s just hope they don’t get too good with iPads…
…because we all know how that ends.
