# London Zoo Trying to Teach Monkeys to Stop Stealing Mobile Phones By Walter Andri | Published 2006-04-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/london-zoo-trying-to-teach-monkeys-to-stop-stealing-mobile-phones References: [gizmodo](http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/cellphones/cellphonethieving-monkeys-foiled-again-166054.php) & [news.bbc](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/4880048.stm) Camera phone lovers be warned: Monkeys are out to get you. But don't worry, the zookeepers at the London Zoo are trying to train the monkeys to stop stealing phones. **From BBC:** Light-fingered monkeys unable to resist the bright lights and bleeps of mobile phones have been taught not to steal. Previously, squirrel monkeys in London Zoo's new barrier-free enclosure were tempted to take visitors' phones. But since staff covered unwanted phones in an unpleasant sticky substance, the animals were soon put off and gave up their bad habits. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smartphone Addiction:** The growing issue of smartphone addiction presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in digital detox programs and mindfulness apps. - **Animal Training Techniques:** The successful training of monkeys to avoid stealing mobile phones highlights the potential for using similar techniques in training animals for other purposes, such as detecting substances or performing tasks. - **Barrier-free Enclosures:** The implementation of barrier-free enclosures in zoos and wildlife parks can revolutionize the visitor experience by offering closer interactions with animals while minimizing the risk of theft or harm. ### Who This Affects Most - **Mobile Phone Industry:** The issue of monkeys stealing mobile phones highlights the need for innovative solutions in phone security, such as biometric authentication or anti-theft measures. - **Animal Training Industry:** The successful training of monkeys to avoid stealing phones opens up opportunities for developing new techniques and methodologies in animal training for various purposes, including entertainment, therapy, and conservation. - **Zoos and Wildlife Parks:** The use of barrier-free enclosures can transform the visitor experience in zoos and wildlife parks, attracting more visitors and enhancing animal welfare through interactive and immersive encounters. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Safe Snacking Zones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birds-at-the-beach.md) - [Location-Aware Security Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revolut-street-mode.md) - [Anti-Theft Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unstealable-chocolate.md) - [Collectible Tea Mascot Keychains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pg-tips-monkey-collectible.md) - [Wildlife Trafficker-Thwarting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildlife-traffickerthwarting-app.md) - [Sea-Inspired Anti-Smartphone Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphonefasting-sour.md) - [AI-Enhanced Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-flipper-by-heineken.md) - [Smartphone-Concealing Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gatbook.md) - [Smartphone Retail Security Tags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safe-tag.md)