In 1844, Samuel Morse sent the first message using a radical technology that would revolutionize personal communication. Messages that previously required days, or even weeks of traveling were suddenly delivered at unbelievable speeds over the telegraph. Through trail-blazing and exponential advances in technology, dots and dashes became voices, and those voices began expressing themselves through e-mails and text-messages. Improvements in technological communication have been embraced so greatly that we no longer limit our digital interaction to humans. Wildlife organizations and field researchers alike continue to explore the benefit of technology, and its place among animals. Just as those pivotal strides were made to affect human lives, great apes can significantly benefit from utilizing the varied tools of technology.

Orangutans play with iPads at the Houston Zoo

     It is no secret that a separation exists between the public and the plight of the great apes. A common attitude is one of distanced apathy. If a person is not directly exposed to something such as the devastation of palm oil deforestation, it is difficult to relate to that person on a level that results in conservation action. In order to truly save these great animals, we need to not only tell the stories of the great apes, but tell them in real-time. The weather reporter in the field creates concern for a storm, because he is standing directly in that storm. We too must report loudly from the middle of our storm. The current capabilities of Facebook, Twitter, and a number of other social media sites allow pictures and videos to be shared in up to the minute transmissions in a way that has not yet been widely adopted by organizations working with great apes. Social media is largely beneficial in that these programs place the animals directly in front of the public, beginning a relationship and hopefully establishing a foundation of environmental stewardship simply by allowing the person to log onto their favorite social media website. Utilizing this method of communication allows those working with great apes to spread their message thousands of miles instantly in an extremely cost efficient manner.

     When considering technology as a way to save great apes, we cannot rely on one particular device or program to tip the scales. In order to make a significant difference towards saving great apes, our conservationists, anti-poaching teams, and all those with close contact with these animals must become fluent in as many technologies as they have access to. As the current digital tools evolve, it is imperative that we stay abreast of trends in order to relate the message to the masses, who will also be adopting these new advances. Just as casting a wide net will catch many fish, casting a large digital shadow will result in more viewers, donors, and visits to conservation webpages.  We must arm ourselves not with guns and prejudice, but with technology and a passion to share the incredible lives of the great apes.

More Posts Like This!

• Learning how to use all this new technology is hard work! Well, except if you are a chimpanzee or an orangutan at the Houston Zoo, then it can be tons of...
• Problem Solving with Apes Chimpanzees and orangutans, two great ape species, can be found at the Houston Zoo. These amazing animals are incredibly intelligent....
• Meet the Staff: Nathalie Jolicoeur Our Meet the Staff series continues with Nathalie Jolicoeur....
• Problem Solving with Apes: An App for an Ape How do we decide which apps to introduce to the chimpanzees and the orangutans? When trying to develop new enrichment...
• “Ape”ril Kicks Off at the Zoo! We’re celebrating our favorite apes for an entire month! Ever wanted to know the difference between and ape and monkey?...