Microsoft’s VoIP platform is being used as a communication platform between animals

Apr 24, 2013 12:55 GMT  ·  By

Skype is undoubtedly the number one VoIP platform in the entire world but, in addition to allowing people to talk over the Internet, Microsoft’s service is also being used for some pretty weird purposes.

Trainers at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas are currently using Skype to allow Mei and Mukah, two resident orangutans, to talk to other animals and to people across the world.

That’s right, you’ve read it right, the two orangutans are allowed to use Skype to get in touch with the other animals, but also to chat with people via the Internet, as they take interviews and interact with fans.

The Skype team said that Mei and Mukah recently had an interview with a Fuji television station in Japan, while local schools are now working out a plan to get in touch with the two via several video conference sessions.

“We’ve got lots of activities to explore. We’re thinking of doing some video conference sessions with region 12 school systems in Texas classrooms in the spring. It doesn’t have to just be orangutans – we’d like to include elephants, too, which are also quite intelligent,” Terri Cox, Programs & Exhibits Curator, said.

In addition, trainers are now trying to teach the orangutans to interact with new technology, such as touchscreens, in order to draw or play drumming music apps.

“They’re highly intelligent,” Cox said. “Allowing orangutans to see old companions from other zoos or meet new friends before they move zoos… it’s like meeting a new roommate before they move in.”

Of course, Microsoft used this occasion to show everyone that Skype is indeed a great platform that could help everyone, including animals it seems, get in touch with friends and family over the Internet, so don’t be too surprised if a monkey calls you on Skype the next time you go online.