the memory palace Episode 221: Ken Allen
Sep 5, 2024
Discover the captivating life of Ken Allen, an orangutan whose clever escapes captivated audiences at the San Diego Zoo. Learn about the transformative efforts made to improve animal welfare and how two dedicated individuals played a crucial role in Ken's life. The podcast also dives into the balance zookeepers must maintain between animal care and enrichment. Plus, get a sneak peek into exciting updates and creative storytelling plans for the future.
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Rescued Orangutan Raised In A Zoo
- Ken Allen was born in captivity in 1971 and rescued from his mother's smothering by two men who named him.
- He grew up at the San Diego Zoo in a habitat designed to mimic his native environment while under constant observation.
Observation Doesn’t Equal Understanding
- Ken Allen's behavior highlighted limits of human interpretation of animal motives.
- Researchers could record actions but could not definitively explain why the orangutans threw rocks or feces.
Problem Solved, Problem Transformed
- The orangutans developed a culture of rock-throwing that zoo staff tried to stop by removing rocks and changing flooring.
- When rocks were removed, the apes adapted by pulling tiles off the wall to continue throwing objects.
