Gorillas Love Their Screen Time

When zoo visitors pull out their phones to capture videos, they often find an unexpected fan eager to watch the replay. But these fans aren’t following along on TikTok or Instagram; they’re gorillas, and many love watching videos of themselves and others. However, this fascination with screen time has sparked concern among zookeepers and researchers.

At the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky, a gorilla named Jelani has developed a reputation as a video enthusiast. Jelani eagerly approaches visitors holding phones and taps on the glass to encourage them to show their videos. Some visitors have noticed her flicking her fingers, signaling her excitement for more screen time. The zoo staff allows Jelani to indulge her passion for watching videos, but other zoos have taken a different approach.

Differing Opinions on Screen Time

At the Toronto Zoo, for example, keepers discourage visitors from showing videos to their gorillas. The San Diego Zoo has a similar stance, with zookeepers explaining that they prefer to let the gorillas “just be gorillas” without the influence of screens. These zoos worry that too much exposure to video screens could interfere with the gorillas’ natural behaviors and social interactions.

However, the gorillas might disagree with their keepers. Gorillas like Jelani seem genuinely interested in the videos visitors show them, tapping and gesturing to get closer looks. This behavior suggests that the great apes can recognize images on screens and are curious about them.

A Growing Interest in Technology

Robert Shumaker, a great ape researcher at the Indianapolis Zoo, confirms that there’s no doubt that gorillas recognize images in photos and videos. “We’ve seen them engage with screens in ways that show they understand what they’re seeing,” Shumaker notes. His research backs up his observations and those of others who have taught various great apes, including chimpanzees and orangutans, to use touch screens and even play games like tic-tac-toe. According to The Wall Street Journal, these studies reveal that apes can learn to navigate and interact with digital devices, showing a level of understanding that parallels some of their natural behaviors.

The Debate Continues

This growing interest in technology raises a fascinating question: Should we allow gorillas and other great apes to enjoy screen time, or should we encourage them to stick to more natural activities? While some zookeepers fear that videos could distract or even harm the animals’ mental well-being, others see it as a harmless way for the gorillas to engage with their environment.

For now, zoos are taking varied approaches. Some, like Louisville, give their apes freedom to indulge in their digital curiosity, while others remain cautious, prioritizing a more natural lifestyle for their animals.

One thing is clear: gorillas like Jelani are finding their ways to enjoy screen time, whether through the glass or with the help of a willing visitor. As our understanding of these intelligent animals grows, so does the debate over what enrichment activities are best for their well-being.