To survive, orangutans must learn to be scared
For people, a fake snake can be a funny joke, but for these orangutans being raised in a Orangutan Jungle School, it’s a vital lesson in fear. You see, orangutans aren’t naturally afraid of snakes; they have to be taught or they could be at risk when released into the wild. That’s when the old rubber-snake-under-the-blanket trick comes in handy. One look, and the students retreat into a group hug, which somehow protects them by… erm… Look, it’s their first lesson, okay?
They’ll get the hang of it, Andrew Y.