gorilla game lab

modular games for gorillas

This project involves designing a modular cognitive game system for the gorillas at Bristol Zoo.

More info on the project homepage: www.gorillagamelab.com

Our project will apply innovative game technology to animal welfare science. We will develop an interactive cognitive challenge (‘game’) for Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) housed at Bristol Zoo, building on cutting-edge human-animal interaction technologies and participatory design methods.

Our research questions are:

  1. Can cognitive game-play enhance the well-being of zoo-housed gorillas?

  2. Can higher forms of engagement such a ‘flow state’ be observed in zoo-housed gorillas?

  3. How does the gaming technology affect zoo visitor perception of gorilla intelligence and well-being?