Here’s a random news item that’s hit our in-boxes today. Orangutans at a Florida zoo are using iPads to communicate with their keepers. Staff at Jungle Island Zoo in Miami could eventually use the tablets to tell them what they want to eat.

Zookeeper Linda Jacobs said: “They have all the intelligence they need to communicate with us.

“But what they don’t have is developed vocal chords and voiceboxes. This gives them a voice.

“Some of them like carrots more than they like beets. And don’t we all want to have that choice?

“I don’t want to eat the same thing every day that someone else picks for me. I want them to have a choice over their lunches.”

As well as empowering the orangutans, it is hoped that the tech-friendly apes will even be able to social network with visitors to the zoo.

The zoo plans to let people communicate with the animals by setting up interactive screens that sync with the orangutans’ iPads.

Source (Orange Mobile) + Thanks to SPW for the tip.

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