Skip to main content

Jungle Island

See All Stories

Orangutans at Miami zoo communicating with iPads

Site default logo image

[slideshow]

According to a report from Associated Press, orangutans at Miami’s Jungle Island zoo are taking a liking to Apple’s iPad in a new program that has six of them communicating with the device:

The software was originally designed for humans with autism and the screen displays pictures of various objects. A trainer then names one of the objects, and the ape presses the corresponding button… While other trainers have developed strong relationships with the orangutans, the iPad and other touchscreen computers offer an opportunity for them to communicate with people not trained in their sign language

Linda Jacobs, who is in charge of the mental stimulus program, explained the younger orangutans seem to immediately respond to the iPads:

Expand
Expanding
Close

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications