apps for apes: orang-utans want ipads for christmas. So far about a dozen zoos have expressed interest in joining Apps for Apes. But meeting this demand is proving a challenge. Most zoos operate on shoestring budgets and Zimmerman has struggled to find funding. “We’re hoping Apple takes notice,” he says. Should a backer step in, Zimmerman will be able to put his most ambitious plan into effect. With iPads distributed, he hopes to use Skype or Apple’s networking software to set up video calls connecting orang-utans with friends - simian or human - no matter how far away. Research by Suzanne MacDonald from York University in Toronto, Canada, has shown that orang-utans can differentiate themselves from gorillas and other primates; whether they would connect a screen image with an actual individual is an interesting question, she says. If they can, play dates might prove useful for letting females view prospective mates. Zimmerman would also like to offer iPads to orang-utan rehabilitation centres in Indonesia. There, young orang-utans are taught about the dangers they will face once returned to the wild. Current training is crude - for instance orang-utans are shown rubber snakes while loud, unpleasant noise is played. With iPads this training could be expanded and automated. For Khan, though, the project is already reaping rewards. “I’m thrilled when I see kids’ mouths drop open and they say, ‘Hey Mom, I have that same app at home.’ It’s like opening a window, and letting them see how intelligent these animals are.” posted in new scientist
View Separately

apps for apes: orang-utans want ipads for christmas.

So far about a dozen zoos have expressed interest in joining Apps for Apes. But meeting this demand is proving a challenge. Most zoos operate on shoestring budgets and Zimmerman has struggled to find funding. “We’re hoping Apple takes notice,” he says.

Should a backer step in, Zimmerman will be able to put his most ambitious plan into effect. With iPads distributed, he hopes to use Skype or Apple’s networking software to set up video calls connecting orang-utans with friends - simian or human - no matter how far away. Research by Suzanne MacDonald from York University in Toronto, Canada, has shown that orang-utans can differentiate themselves from gorillas and other primates; whether they would connect a screen image with an actual individual is an interesting question, she says. If they can, play dates might prove useful for letting females view prospective mates.

Zimmerman would also like to offer iPads to orang-utan rehabilitation centres in Indonesia. There, young orang-utans are taught about the dangers they will face once returned to the wild. Current training is crude - for instance orang-utans are shown rubber snakes while loud, unpleasant noise is played. With iPads this training could be expanded and automated. For Khan, though, the project is already reaping rewards. “I’m thrilled when I see kids’ mouths drop open and they say, ‘Hey Mom, I have that same app at home.’ It’s like opening a window, and letting them see how intelligent these animals are.”

posted in new scientist

27 Notes/ Hide

  1. midnightbirdofparadise reblogged this from commonunity
  2. saamantha reblogged this from commonunity
  3. anitahawkins reblogged this from primatewin
  4. bspalding reblogged this from commonunity
  5. primatewin reblogged this from bonedust
  6. justaquickquestion reblogged this from commonunity
  7. ilivebetweenconcretewalls said: This seems a bit ridiculous to me, like some sort of coproate sponsored version of the ‘painting apes’ we should not need them using our technology to empathise with them. There are so many better things that zoos could be doing with this cash.
  8. bonedust reblogged this from commonunity
  9. appledoom reblogged this from commonunity
  10. commonunity posted this

Recent comments

Blog comments powered by Disqus