An evaluation of interactive projections as digital enrichment for orangutans

Abstract

Digital technologies are increasingly being incorporated into the provision of enrichment for captive primates, ranging from the ad‐hoc use of iPads to specifically designed hardware installed in the design of new exhibits. In this article, we present a digital enrichment system that utilizes a novel approach with interactive projections, installed in the orangutan exhibit at Melbourne Zoo. While previous research into orangutan enrichment has involved reinforcement using food rewards, this study is the first investigation of digital enrichment for orangutans that does not involve food rewards. Rather, the interactive projections were designed to provide intrinsically rewarding environmental enrichment, instead of a cheaper or more variable way of delivering food. Our observations of orangutans' use of the system supports the approach of using interactive projections, finding that it is more responsive than capacitance or resistive based touch‐screen technologies to the variety of ways that orangutans “touch”: with whole hands, feet, faces, and with objects. We also present the results from a preliminary study into the effect of this enrichment into orangutan behavior which found presence or use of the device did not affect time spent engaged in the majority of behaviors of the individuals studied.

Do Monkeys Want Audio or Visual Stimuli? Interactive Computers for Choice with White-Faced Sakis in Zoos

“…The sakis' interactions with the enrichment device were mostly short, lasting only a few seconds and often being triggered by a saki walking or running through the system, sometimes pausing inside. Their short interactions and interaction times mirrored the animals' interactions in their everyday space, which has been seen as key for non-food enrichment [8]. Occasionally, the monkeys' interactions were longer, especially during the stimuli conditions, where the saki would sit inside the device.…”

Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, and Animal Welfare: A History of Behavior Analysis in Zoos (Preprint)

“…As just one example of a way in which this could develop, more interactive elements could be incorporated into zoos. These could be in the spirit of some of Markowitz's early behavioral engineering endeavors (see 'The Engineering of Environment Enrichment in Zoos' section) but could be upgraded with modern technology (Carter et al, 2021;Clay et al, 2011;Coe & Hoy, 2020;Perdue et al, 2012) so that visitors could introduce interactive elements (e.g., movement, sound, or food) into animal exhibits and observe the behavioral responses. This would require careful arrangements and monitoring, of course, and behavior analysts have the expertise and tools to ensure its success.…”

Evaluating Cognitive Enrichment for Zoo-Housed Gorillas Using Facial Recognition

“…Contemporary animal-computer interaction (ACI) usually involves animals directly interacting with components such as touchscreens ( 4 , 6 ), buttons or joysticks ( 7 , 8 ), and therefore animals need to be trained to use the technology. Animals may also directly experience technological feedback systems in the form of lights, tones or vibrations ( 9 , 10 ).…”