Researchers from the University of Glasgow, based in England, and Aalto University, located in Finland, explored a surprising trait in primates: their affinity for music and visual content about marine life. The teams presented their observations at a conference focused on the development of interactive systems, sharing early findings and potential applications for future work in animal-centered technology. The study highlighted how audiovisual experiences can become part of a controlled environment for non-human primates, offering new avenues for enrichment and welfare strategies in captivity. (Attribution: University of Glasgow; Aalto University)
In a Finnish zoological setting, a controlled enclosure housed three pale sakis. Inside this space, researchers introduced a screen and wooden-plastic tunnels outfitted with infrared sensors. As the sakis moved or paused, these sensors triggered either video or audio playback. The setup was designed so the animals could self-initiate stimuli by remaining in place, creating an interactive loop between behavior and digital content. This approach allowed researchers to observe how the primates engaged with technology and which modalities captured their attention most consistently. (Attribution: Aalto University; Finnish Zoo)
After several training sessions to familiarize the sakis with the equipment, the monkeys showed a clear pattern: audio stimuli were twice as likely to be activated as video content. When given the choice, the primates tended to prefer music over ambient noises such as rain or traffic, and they favored video content that depicted underwater scenes over clips filmed at the sea floor. These preferences provided concrete indicators of how enrichment content could be tailored to the sensory inclinations of the species studied. (Observation notes from the researchers)
The researchers emphasized that the main objective was to determine which types of content the sakis gravitated toward. The ultimate aim was to apply these insights to environmental enrichment strategies within zoological enclosures, thereby enhancing the animals’ well-being and engagement. The findings suggested that carefully chosen audiovisual stimuli can become an integrated aspect of daily enrichment programs, complementing physical structures and social interaction opportunities. (Context from conference presentation)
As the study progressed, the team discussed the broader implications of animal-computer interaction as a developing field. The data collected during these experiments were framed as building blocks for ongoing research in how animals access and interpret computer-based systems. The researchers argued that understanding these interactions could lead to practical improvements in living conditions for great apes and other primates, including more meaningful engagement with digital interfaces and controlled stimuli. This perspective aligns with a growing interest in leveraging technology to support animal welfare in captive environments. (Commentary from the study authors)