The two male and two female orangutans at the Louisville Zoo are benefiting from an animal-enrichment program that involves using an iPad and experimenting with apps.
The Apps for Apes program gives the animals access to music, musical instruments, cognitive games, paintings and drawings. In addition, they can see photos and videos that let them interact at least on some level with other orangutans, said Jane Anne Franklin, assistant mammal curator and the zoo’s animal training supervisor.
The program is being coordinated by the non-profit Orangutan Outreach organization that raises awareness of orangutans’ endangerment.
The zoo’s orangutans — Amber, Bella, Segundo and Teak — have been working with apps that include drums and a xylophone. Others include a koi pond where they poke at fish, a rock blaster and a Simon Says app.
Apps that seem to be most popular with the orangutans are interactive ones with colors and sounds, zoo officials said.
The Louisville Zoo is one of 13 worldwide participating in the Apps for Apes program.
Orangutans are considered highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to keep from growing bored and depressed.
Freedom of choice is critical to their well-being, zoo officials said.
“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 Orangutan Outreach website says.
The quality of life of orangutans living in zoos and sanctuaries depends in large part on the enrichment they receive, and the apps project is designed to provide stimulation.
Franklin said that the orangutans began using the apps around Christmas and that more offerings probably will be downloaded.
USA Today
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