Apes and iPads

Do you own an iPad? Have you played around with one lately? Pretty amazing and entertaining, right? And, perhaps a bit addicting. Well, one animal welfare group, Orangutan Outreach, has begun to introduce orangutans to iPads. 

 This group believes, and some pretty undeniable research has shown, that interactive technology can be stimulating for apes and a beneficial source of enrichment. We imagine these orangutans aren't on Facebook, Instagram, or Angry Birds, but rather playing with drawing and painting applications to experience the sensation of creating and directing colors and designs. 

Some sessions allow apes the ability to interact with one another remotely, using the video chat connectivity. Richard Zimmerman, the founder of Apps for Apes, claims that "this is not a gimmick." And he's right, based on body of research, the long memory of these animals, and their overall cognitive abilities. iPad and other human technology experiences can be enriching for primates and should be explored further. Obviously, this type of investment is a flashy, trendy thing. We must also consider that most zoo budgets have trouble supporting low-tech, comprehensive enrichment programs. But, perhaps this is where the future is heading as technology becomes more central to all of our lives.

Audubon Nature Institute- Narrative (Non-Fiction Story)

Welcome back to my blog! In this edition, I would like to share a story with all of you, the amazing experience I had during my primatology internship at the Audubon Nature Institute's Zoo  in New Orleans, Louisiana during the Spring of 2010. It all began as part of a school assignment, heading to the zoo to practice some behavioral observation techniques. However, I made a few connections, a touch of networking, and followed-up for some potential internship opportunities. After a successful interview, and some back and forth with HR, the primatology department welcomed me as a Spring intern. Before I knew it, my first day was upon me. I can still recall being so nervous and excited; I really did not know what those first days would have in store for me! 

That morning, I remember arriving at the zoo early with my Starbucks, which I decided to ditch in the car. Soon enough, I was transformed into the keeper uniform, rigid knee-high rubber boots, protective gloves, and some other zoo-sanctioned accessories. Suddenly it hit me; I will really be getting my hands dirty and providing and supporting the kind of primate care I have been looking forward to. After a quick safety video and some colleague introductions, off our team went to attack the objectives for the day. As we exited the staging building, we stepped onto a bleach pad, really reinforcing the importance of not introducing harmful microorganisms into the primates' environment. So, on with the work; daily activities spanned maintaining the habitats, preparing the feedings, administering enrichment interventions, and some behavioral observations of specific primates. Interestingly, the primates chosen for observation were either showing some inconsistencies in activity or appetite, or a new primate pair that were slowly getting to know each other. The internship included other observational activities to better understand the behavioral differences between the various primate species. 

Infant Sumatran Orangutang enjoying her jungle-gym 

As the week went on, I began taking some milestone exams, demonstrating my knowledge of species-specific issues and care management practices. I began to appreciate the hard work that keepers and veterinarians do every day across all animal institutions. The people I worked with were inspiring, and they all really enjoyed that they did. They provided great support when the time came for my large, final internship project: the redesign of one of the primate exhibits. After some deliberations, I selected Stella's exhibit, a very special black and white ruffled lemur. I did have a soft spot in my heart for Stella, but her exhibit was outdated, worn out, and did not support her old age. Stella is considered one of the oldest lemurs in captivity, at over 31 years old (in 2010). She suffers from a neurological disorder that is common among lemurs, which can manifest itself in some stumbling and walking sideways. She needed an exhibit that could provide some comforts, particularly because she was housed alone (which is not typical for lemurs). I worked to design a warm, unique exhibit featuring softer grass, ramps to each level of stone area, more sleeping materials, and decorative paintings to improve the ambiance of her indoor enclosure. The design and implementation was a great success, and the semester soon began to wind to an end. I wrapped up my observations, exams, and transferred back my daily responsibilities to the remaining team members. 

Stella: Black & White Ruffed Lemur, enjoying a palm fran in her renovated exhibit

I continue to maintain some really great relationships with my old colleagues in New Orleans. They continuously inspire me to work hard towards my goals, and support the establishment of my non-for-profit organization, Passion for Primates. And, I look forward to my annual trips to New Orleans to check up on a very special lemur. This was a special time in my life, and one that no doubt has laid the foundation for future success.

Our World or Theirs?

Although we all love the zoo and its many attractions, we have all probably (at some point) let our minds drift off and think of the animals in the exhibits. This week's post will focus on the standing debate of animals living in captivity compared to their natural environments. 

   
To better understand the issue at hand, let's take a look at some of the pros and cons associated with animals living in captivity (ex: zoo setting). The captive environment allows us to repopulate endangered species, as many threats such as disease and poaching are eliminated. Additionally, we can nurse newborns rejected by their mothers and rehabilitate sick or injured animals. These animals can bring a sense of appreciation to the public as children are exposed to their beauty growing up. 
                                                                                                                                                                       
However, the other side of captivity is often more complicated and can be quite dark. Captivity can expose animals to cruel practices and abuse, extensive or unnecessary scientific experimentation, and sometimes permanently altered animal behavior. Also, animals in captivity often have lower reproduction rates, non-seasonal diets, a level of stress from their interactions with humans, and a lack of enriching stimuli for the body and brain.

   
I have studied animal biology and worked and interned in a zoo setting long enough to form a basic opinion on the issue. However, like all opinions and beliefs, it is possible that it will evolve as I commit to a career in this field.

    
Animal welfare has become a trendy and more commonly discussed topic over the past several years. Advocate groups like Peta (People of the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and the WWFHuman Society (Wild Wildlife Foundation) are growing in popularity as we all find ourselves tearing up during those similar commercials, singing along with Sarah Mclachlanin. 

While I am clearly aware of the potential for life-saving, medical and disease breakthrough that continue to save countless lives, the "captivity status quo" is below the standards we should provide to animals. Zoos and other institutions must commit the budget to optimally create the animals "natural habitat"; funding levels play a huge role in the standard of care. Established rules are often not carefully followed, and some additional guidelines (and their enforcement) can dramatically improve the animal's quality of life. I believe as long as these and new more rigid standards are and can be met broadly across all our animal institutions, captivity is ultimately a beneficial thing.

So what… I live a double life!

At first glance, I could be perceived as the typical California girl based on my love for abundant sunshine, every shade of pink, and carefree driving habits. My previous experience as an NFL cheerleader, once dancing on the 50-yard line during the Superbowl, only adds to this image. However, all things considered, I prefer to get my hands dirty, particularly with my strong Passion for Primates and ways in which the broader public can become more educated on their importance. 

A broad variety of non-human primate diseases are transmissible to humans, a face mask is required when in close range with nay primates  

I intend to leverage this opportunity and this space to speak for those without a voice, the silent observers and in some cases victims that unwillingly dedicate their lives to prolonging our own. And yet, we destroy their habitats, poach their young, and confine various species for entertainment purposes. At the same time, researchers around the world are dedicating time and effort towards endangered species protection, habitat preservation, piloting enrichment programs, and most recently making headlines, reducing unnecessary medical experimentation.

Throughout this blog, I will engage with a number of relevant topics relating to primates in a fair and balanced manner (heartbreak versus heartfelt). I will present these topics in the context of current news, my previous experiences, and perspectives from prominent thinkers across zoology, anthropology, and animal sciences, including from renowned government institutions (ex: National Institutes of Health). Within each of my weekly posting, I will discuss all topics such as the distinction between animal rights versus animal welfare, primates as pets, primates and global warning, and modern film’s portrayal of primates.

My ultimate goal is for readers to gain a better understanding of primates in general and the ways in which they help us on a daily basis (sometimes unknown to us all). So, please join me next week as we discuss captivity and primates in your local zoo.