These Orangutans Love Them Some iPads

Zookeepers say the gadgets help stimulate “natural behaviours.”

A zoo in Milwaukee is pioneering an “iPad enrichment program” for orangutans. While zookeepers report the gorillas are terrified of the Apple products, (probably because of open-source concerns) the orangutans have been enjoying them for their free apps and cameras. According to the Milwaukee Zoo, which received the iPads as gifts, the primates use them to finger paint, listen to music, and watch videos of other nearby zoo animals (see? even monkeys love Planet Earth). In future, the zoo is also considering introducing the animals to Skype so they can connect with their families across the world without burdensome long-distance charges. Program developers say they originally got the idea from an April Fool’s joke, the best source of scientifically valid ideas.

Image courtesy of Reuters.