Apes and iPads: Even Apes Love the Apple iPad

Apes and iPads: Time and time again, we talk about sales numbers pertaining to the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad. At this point, it is safe to say that most people have an opinion of this tablet.

But did you know that people are not the only ones who have fallen in love with this type of technology? Believe it or not, apes are falling in love as well.

According to a recent article on AppleInsider, the Smithsonian is taking part in a program known as “Apps for Apes.” This is more than just a cool name. This is a program that could change the way people think about apes forever. Along with this, it is sure to bring a lot of good publicity to the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad.

Here is what the article has to say:

“The Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., is utilizing Apple’s iPad as a new interactive enrichment tool aimed at cognitive development for the zoo’s simians.”

“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.”

It is interesting to note that the National Zoo had no plans on taking part in the program. Instead, it was not until a zookeeper’s family member actually donated an iPad to the zoo. Imagine that. Somebody decided that their iPad could be better used in the Great Ape House, as opposed to their own personal life.

Here is a quote from the same article, from animal keeper Erin Stromberg:

“Apps for Apes is all about giving orangutans in human care choice over their environment. 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.”

In other words, the apes are not forced to use the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad. Instead, they are given the choice to either continue using the device or walk away if uninterested.

For more information on what the program is looking to accomplish, consider this quote from Richard Zimmerman, founding director of Orangutan Outreach:

“Primarily, we want the Apps for Apes program to help people understand why we need to protect wild orangutans from extinction. We do that when we show Zoo visitors how similar humans and apes are, be it through observation, talking with wildlife experts or seeing the apes use the same technology we use every day.”

It is  nice to see that this program, with the help of the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad, can help raise awareness.

Check back here for more updates on Apes and iPads.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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