A PLACE TO TEACH AND LEARN
The
International Orangutan Center will provide an unparalleled
physical and social habitat where Zoo visitors, scientists and
others will have a remarkable window into the orangutans’ world,
facilitating engagement, discovery and learning.
Our interpretation of a rainforest environment will encourage
and stimulate the normal range of orangutan behavior, while at
the same time, maximizing human interaction with (and
understanding of) the orangutans—from physical activity and
problem-solving to social behavior and creativity.
Visitors to the Indianapolis Zoo will play a significant role
in providing these intelligent animals with engaging ways to
stimulate their minds. Students and other visitors may observe
scientists conducting research on orangutan mental abilities.
Those interested may choose to observe and interact more closely
with the orangutans, while all visitors will learn lessons about
sustainability and securing the future of orangutans by
safeguarding the forests that sustain all aspects of their
lives.
Meet Our New Teachers
Orangutans have a life expectancy of around 60 years, and
females give birth beginning in their mid-teens. The orangutans
coming to Indianapolis range in age from under 10 years to the
mid-30s. They are special indeed, including some with language
and cognition research backgrounds and rescues from the
entertainment industry.
Many paths to learning › The Indianapolis Zoo
will provide educational programming through a variety of
methods to both informal (Zoo guests) and formal (students,
researchers, educators, etc.) audiences. Our curriculum tools
will include:
› Interpretive graphics.
› Electronic media.
› Human-orangutan interaction—demonstrations, serendipitous
encounters, etc.
› Web-based programs—pre- and post-visit.
› Distance video learning to state, national, and international
classrooms.
› Unique stories of the heroes of orangutan conservation.
