If you can’t tell by now, I’m pretty excited about the iPad we got from Orangutan Outreach! Thanks to Jody for the case and mount, and Shelly for the iTunes giftcard, I’ve been able to load up the iPad with tons of apps that I’m excited to see the chimps interact with. Yay!
This morning, Jackie, myself, and volunteer caregivers Steph and Erin all spent awhile seeing how the chimps liked the iPad in its new case. Jody, Burrito, Foxie, and Jamie all came over to touch it and check it out (see this photo from our Facebook page).
Chimps naturally have super curious minds. When they see something new, usually their first reaction is what I sometimes call “quality control“—testing out how it works and if it’s sturdy. So, everyone who came over first tried to pick at the case (which is exactly why we wanted it in the first place!) but eventually they all showed some interest in the different apps, especially Jamie. Her favorites right now are a xylophone app, and one called “Catch the mouse” which is a game for cats! But she seems to get some enjoyment out of squishing the little mouse 🙂 Stay tuned for more updates on this really exciting project.
One thing I always wondered about chimpanzees in general and the CE 7 specifically is how receptive are they to music? It appears that music is a turn on for Foxie.
Great question. Generally, they don’t like music that much, or at least they’re indifferent to it by itself. I think Foxie is interested in cartoons and other videos, so when she hears sound like that she assumes it will be something to watch. The goofy sounds seems to particularly interest her—not really sure why! The only time I’ve seen them interested in music by itself (like if we play some on our iPods or something) is if we dance to it. Negra especially likes to see us dance 🙂
Very interesting. The chimps seem to respond quite well to the apps. Music is such a universal language be it for humans, and chimps alike. The chimps curiosity is quite impressive, .
It’s great to see the chimps interact with something that piques their curiosity and entertains them, while at the same time, stimulates their minds. It will be fun to watch as their skill in using the iPad grows and develops.
Beautiful. 🙂
This just makes my day!! So glad to know they’re responding well. I take a tablet to our zoo once a week and show to the chimps. Of course the juveniles get the most excited. I down loaded a neon drawing app (a free one),that u use your finger to draw. Anxious to more of the CE7 using it
Wouldn’t it be great if they didn’t have to get at it through the grating. What about something like a rectangle in the grating the size of the i-pad. Cut the wire and Fit it in the grating in a frame and secure it there like an in’the’wall TV but have the ability to take it out when you want and replace with plexiglass the same size; put a clear plastic soft material over it and they could get at it better but still not hurt it .
Just a thought – probably some flaws in my theory but I bet JB could figure out something clever.
Anyway, they are so terribly intelligent! It’s just amazing!
I’d love to see them be able to interact with it without the bars as well. This is an area I find particularly fascinating. I’m so curious about chimpanzee and great ape minds and similar processing our species shares with theirs.
Looking forward to seeing more Ipad chimp