I’ve noticed there’s a slight trend of ppl going to the zoo to show apes different pictures and videos. Was actually introduced to the trend by a vid of someone showing an orangutan the WOMBO COMBO SSBB video. As someone studying primates, do you think this has any adverse effects on them? Would you discourage the zoo guests from doing this? I know you said at the sanctuary you worked at, y’all would put on movies for the chimps. But since you were invested and involved in their long term care, I assume the rationale and long term effects are probably different that zoo goers showing apes internet bs on their phones.

the main negative impact seems to be that some gorillas are genuinely getting screen addiction and developing bad socialization habits such as ignoring other gorillas in their enclosure. basically there’s no reason for zoo guests to be doing that. it’s a lot different if its like occasional enrichment at a sanctuary though.