Clever Orangutan Demands Gummy After Searching Zoo Visitor’s Bag

Visiting the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky, Taylor had a delightful and unexpected interaction with an inquisitive orangutan named Amber when she took interest in the contents of Taylor’s purse, enticing the visitor to sneak her a snack.

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Curious Orangutan Asks to Snoop

Amber, a resident orangutan at the Louisville Zoo, took a keen interest in Taylor’s bag. From the moment they approached her enclosure, Amber’s eyes were glued to the purse. She leaned against the window, pointing excitedly at the bag as if asking for a closer look.

Bag Show and Tell

In order to figure out what her new orange friend wanted, Taylor proceeded to give a little show and tell of her purse. Taylor first showed Amber the colorful charms on her keychain, then modeled the other side of the bag to keep up with Amber’s incessant pointing. But the outside of the bag didn’t seem to be what Amber was so interested in. 

Lost in Translation

The interaction soon became a humorous example of cross-species communication. Taylor and Amber, unable to speak the same language, relied on gestures and expressions to convey their messages. Onlookers tried to interpret Amber’s signals, adding to the fun and confusion. Amber’s persistence was evident as she switched hands to give her left arm a break and leaned in closer, determined to make her point understood. 

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Open Sesame

With Taylor bringing the purse closer to the window, Amber was able to point more directly to the top of the purse, expressing her intentions. Following Amber’s directions, Taylor opened the zip of the purse. Satisfied with the first step of her plan complete, Amber stopped pointing and climbed up on the ledge to get a peak of what was inside.

Going for the Gummies

With a series of gestures, Amber guided Taylor to pull out the contents of the purse. The first item, a tube of cream, didn’t capture Amber’s interest. However, when Taylor revealed a small bag of gummy snacks, Amber’s reaction was immediate and enthusiastic as if saying, “This is what I was looking for!” Pointing at it some more, Taylor opened the small bag of gummies, pulling one out for Amber to see.

Watch the full video here.

Simple Instructions

With step 2 of Amber’s plan completed—find the food—she enacts the third and final step: Get the food. On the move, Amber pointed at Taylor to follow her with the gummy in hand. Moving over to the fence, Amber began to give simple instructions, pointing at the gummy and then pointing at the fence, essentially: Put gummy here! 

Plan B

However, with no access to the fence, Taylor was unable to give Amber what she wanted. Amber repeated her directions a few times until realizing that wasn’t going to work. She then resorted to plan B. Picking up a stick, Amber climbed to the top of the fence. She then stuck the stick through a hole in the ceiling to poke it through to the other side of the glass, showing another the visitors could give her the gummy. 

Watch the full video here.

Meet Amber

Amber was born at the Como Park Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 15, 1987. She came to the Louisville Zoo with Teak in 1996. Amber is known for her playful personality. She enjoys interacting with guests and may tap the glass to grab the attention of those nearby, pointing out sparkling accessories, brightly colored fingernails, and a purse or backpack to see what’s inside.

Orangutan Intelligence

Amber’s interaction with Taylor is a testament to the high level of intelligence orangutans possess. Their ability to understand and communicate complex ideas through gestures and tools is truly remarkable. Amber’s actions showcased not just her curiosity but also her cognitive abilities.

The Beauty of Cross-Species Communication

This heartwarming encounter highlights the extraordinary communication that can occur between humans and animals. Despite the barriers of language and species, Taylor and Amber managed to connect and share a moment of mutual understanding and curiosity.

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Should You Feed Orangutan Human Food?

While this story is endearing, it’s important to note that feeding orangutans human food is not recommended. Human foods can be harmful to orangutans and disrupt their natural diet. Zoo staff and visitors should always follow guidelines to ensure the animals’ health and well-being.

Critically Endangered

Orangutans are critically endangered, with their populations declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these intelligent and sensitive creatures. Supporting organizations dedicated to orangutan conservation can make a significant difference in their survival.

The Video

Watch the full video here.

Conclusion

Amber’s playful spirit and clever antics turned a simple zoo visit into an unforgettable experience for Taylor and her sisters. This charming encounter is a beautiful reminder of the wonders of nature and the special connections we can form with animals.