In a groundbreaking study from the University of Glasgow, researchers have demonstrated that technology can bridge the gap between humans and animals, enabling shared sensory experiences that foster genuine connections. The project, known as CreatureConnect, allowed red-ruffed lemurs at Blair Drummond Safari Park to collaborate with zoo visitors in controlling lights, sounds, and scents, revealing surprising preferences for joint interaction over solo control. This innovation not only enriches animal lives but also heightens human empathy and conservation interest, marking a significant advance in animal-computer interaction (ACI).
Red-ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra), critically endangered primates native to Madagascar's rainforests, face habitat loss and hunting pressures, with fewer than 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild according to the IUCN Red List. European zoos, including those in the UK, play a vital role in their conservation through breeding programs and public education. The Glasgow team's work integrates cutting-edge human-computer interaction (HCI) principles with zoological needs, potentially transforming how universities contribute to wildlife preservation.
The Evolution of Animal-Computer Interaction at Glasgow
The University of Glasgow's Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) research group, led by Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, has pioneered technologies that empower animals to interact with digital systems. ACI, a subfield of HCI, designs interfaces for non-human users, considering their sensory worlds, cognition, and agency. This builds on earlier projects like DogPhone, which let dogs 'call' owners via sound-sensitive devices, and SensorySafari, a 2025 prototype where lemurs accessed multimodal stimuli independently.
Prior SensorySafari trials at the same park showed lemurs triggering devices over 3,200 times in 63 days, preferring scents like dried banana over videos. Multimodal combinations—sights, sounds, and smells together—extended engagement, informing CreatureConnect's design. Professor Stephen Brewster, an HCI expert, contributed interface expertise, while PhD student Jiaqi Wang led deployment.
CreatureConnect: Technology Bridging Species
CreatureConnect comprises two computer-controlled devices separated by the lemur enclosure's glass: one sensor-activated for lemurs, the other touchscreen-based for humans. Lemurs approach to intensify stimuli: rainforest sounds or music via speakers, abstract patterns or underwater videos on screens, and scents (apple, lavender, mango) from dispensers. Humans use sliders to adjust intensities during their turns.
Four modes were tested: automatic, human-only, lemur-only, and shared control, where each species influenced the other's stimuli. Deployed over 20 days, it attracted 16,000+ visitors, 1,719 users, and 541 lemur interactions—highest in shared mode. The system respects animal space, avoiding direct contact while promoting agency.
Detailed Methods and Data Collection
Data came from observations, surveys (human enjoyment, empathy, connection), footfall counters, dwell times, and lemur behavior logs. Lemur preferences emerged clearly: high-intensity scents, bright visuals, medium sounds. Shared control boosted metrics across board.
- Lemur interactions: 541 (shared) vs. fewer in solo/automatic.
- Visitor dwell time: Increased significantly with system active.
- Surveys: High scores for enjoyment (4.5/5), empathy growth, conservation interest.
| Mode | Lemur Interactions | Visitor Engagement | Dwell Time Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic | Low | Moderate | Baseline |
| Human-only | Medium | High | +5 min |
| Lemur-only | Medium | High | +10 min |
| Shared | 541 (highest) | Highest | +18 min |
Full details in the CHI 2026 paper: University of Glasgow press release.
Lemurs' Surprising Preference for Collaboration
Contrary to expectations, lemurs favored shared control, approaching 541 times—more than solo modes. They lingered longer with multiple stimuli, especially scents, aligning with arboreal, olfactory-driven lives. This suggests social animals like lemurs value interspecies 'dialogue', challenging assumptions of solitary tech use. Welfare benefits include choice-making, reducing boredom in captivity.
Transforming Visitor Experiences and Empathy
Visitors reported stronger connections seeing lemur responses, with dwell times jumping to 18 minutes from 1. Discussions shifted to welfare and behavior, boosting conservation pledges. Dr. Hirskyj-Douglas notes: "Lemurs want to share experiences with us, impacting visitors' interest profoundly." Jiaqi Wang adds: "Technology fosters empathy, aiding endangered species recovery."
Enhancing Animal Welfare in European Zoos
European zoos under EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) prioritize enrichment. CreatureConnect exemplifies evidence-based tech, similar to enrichment puzzles but digital. Blair Drummond's Lorna Graham: "It lets lemurs choose on their terms, clicking for genuine connections." Scalable to other species, it supports EU biodiversity goals.
Driving Conservation Through Technology
Critically endangered red-ruffed lemurs benefit from heightened awareness. UK zoos like Chester, Dublin contribute to reintroductions. Shared experiences could amplify donations, advocacy. Digit.fyi reports: potential for transformative impact.
Glasgow's Leadership in European ACI Research
Glasgow's ACI lab leads Europe, with ERC FUTUREFAUNA grant for animal agency frameworks. ACI 2026 in Switzerland highlights growing field. Collaborations with parks advance HCI applications.
Future Horizons: Beyond Charismatic Species
Next: less 'cute' animals like insects for broader empathy. CHI 2026 presentation in Barcelona advances field. PhD opportunities abound in Glasgow's School of Computing Science.
This research positions University of Glasgow at HCI forefront, blending tech, biology, conservation for societal good.
Photo by Mauro Romero on Unsplash