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Interesting timing

Smithsonian zoo introduces iPads to orangutans with 'App for Apes' project

In conjunction with 12 other zoos from around the world, the Smithsonian is participating in what has been dubbed "Apps for Apes," a program that leverages the touchscreen interactivity of Apple's iPad to enrich the lives of those apes in captivity, reports DCist.

The National Zoo first joined the initiative when a zookeeper's family member donated an iPad to the Great Ape House. After talking with fellow program participants, the zoo was able to home in on ten apps that seemed to be most conducive to interaction, including a number of music, drawing and game apps. According to a keeper in the video below, one orangutan named Iris is particularly fond of the popular app Koi Pond.

"Apps for Apes is all about giving orangutans in human care choice over their environment," said animal keeper Erin Stromberg. "With the iPad, we're hoping to tap less into the critical-thinking outlet and more into a creative outlet. If they're engaged in an app, we'll keep going. If not, they have the choice to walk away."