Scientist Develops Technology to Enhance Animal Lives at Zoos

A groundbreaking initiative led by scientist Rébecca Kleinberger is transforming the way animals interact with technology. Working with a hyacinth macaw named Sampson at the San Diego Zoo, Kleinberger developed a device called the Joy Branch, allowing the bird to control music, thereby enriching its environment and engaging zoo visitors.

The project began in 2019, when Sampson’s caretaker approached Kleinberger with a request for a tool that would enable the macaw to enjoy music. They did not anticipate that Sampson would utilize the Joy Branch to attract attention, drawing visitors to his exhibit and fostering meaningful interactions. “It’s really his own agency and its own intrinsic behavior that led to him using his branch a lot,” Kleinberger explained to MassLive.

Kleinberger, now an assistant professor at Northeastern University, has since expanded her research through her lab, the Interspecies Technology for Enrichment and Research on Animal Connection and Togetherness (INTERACT) Animal Lab. Her work spans various species, including pets, zoo animals, and livestock. During her earlier tenure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she earned her master’s and doctoral degrees, she laid the groundwork for exploring innovative ways to enhance animal welfare.

Understanding Animal Engagement
Kleinberger emphasizes that while it is challenging to prove an animal’s understanding of its actions, engagement metrics provide valuable insights. “We can look into the engagement they have with it, how often they use it,” she noted. Each project involves collaboration with experts who review data and offer insights on the animals’ interactions.

In spring 2023, Kleinberger taught a course focused on designing technology for animals, which included students from Northeastern University, MIT, and Harvard University. Some students continued their involvement over the summer, helping to deploy and test technologies at Zoo New England, which encompasses Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham. Although details on these projects remain under wraps, Kleinberger plans to publish her findings in the coming months.

Innovative Projects with Parrots
Kleinberger’s lab has gained recognition for its playful and impactful research. In collaboration with the University of Glasgow, a three-month study explored how 20 pet parrots interacted with touchscreen games. The results, published in 2024, revealed how the games could be tailored to meet the tactile needs of parrots, enhancing their enrichment.

Additionally, the lab studied an innovative parrot-to-parrot video calling system, which saw participation from 18 pet birds. This system enabled birds to make 147 calls, with some even selecting specific targets. Caretakers noted behavioral benefits, such as improved foraging skills and flying capabilities among the birds.

A Unique Approach to Animal Technology
Unlike other research labs that primarily focus on testing animal intelligence, Kleinberger’s INTERACT Animal Lab prioritizes improving animal lives. “We’re not there to test them. We’re there to try to see how we can improve their life,” she stated. This philosophy guides her ethical considerations and collaborations, ensuring she works only with accredited zoos committed to high standards of animal welfare.

Kleinberger is also dedicated to educating the public and working closely with zookeepers to better understand animal needs. She acknowledged the challenge of creating solutions that genuinely enhance animal well-being rather than merely addressing superficial issues. “There’s always this problem… how do you make sure you’re not just putting a band-aid on?” she added.

The responsibility to enrich animal lives is pressing, according to Kleinberger, particularly as humans often disrupt natural habitats. She believes there is significant potential for technology to aid in this endeavor. “So much of the technology is there. The tools are not in the hands of the right people,” she remarked.

While the pet technology market has seen a surge in devices designed to communicate with pets during their owners’ absence, Kleinberger noted a lack of rigorous evaluation regarding their impact on animal welfare. “Often, the technology is designed for human benefit rather than for animal benefit,” she explained.

Kleinberger’s approach contrasts with previous animal communication efforts, such as those involving Koko the gorilla and sign language, which primarily required animals to adapt to human languages. “I’m trying to do the inverse,” she declared, emphasizing the need for technology that empowers animals rather than forcing them to conform to human expectations.

Through her innovative research and commitment to animal welfare, Kleinberger is poised to lead a paradigm shift in how technology can enhance the lives of animals, fostering deeper connections between humans and the creatures that share our world.