Orangutans use iPads - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

Orangutans use iPads

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By Greg Jeschke - bio | email

MIAMI, FL (WKOW) -- Researchers in Miami are using iPads to communicate with orangutans.

And the animals are answering back, sometimes.

Six orangutans are communicating with iPads.

The primates are told to match a picture with what trainer Linda Jacobs tells them.

Jacobs says one day soon, she'll be able to ask the animals what they want to eat. 

"Right now it is about building their vocabulary, and the next step is we want to have all the different vegetables that are available for lunch that day, and then ask them what would you like for lunch that day."

Jacobs says the iPad gives the orangutans a voice because they don't have developed vocal cords or voice boxes.

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