Will VR & AR Replace Animals at the Zoo?

Zoos have always been a great way for people to interact with exotic animals that they otherwise would never get the chance to see. Everyone has a fond childhood memory of a trip to the zoo. They offer us a chance to study animals and even rehabilitate the numbers of species in decline. And yet, there’s still a distance between the viewer and the animal. 

It’s for the safety of both parties, true, but it leaves room for us to wonder how it would feel to be up close, to see the patterns in a leopard’s fur or watch a snow leopard on the hunt. Immersive technologies provide this sort of intimate interaction. Today, more industries are turning to VR and AR to give their customers a more profound experience. In particular, Zoos could benefit in numerous ways by incorporating immersive technologies into their facilities.

Using VR, zoos have the opportunity to offer visitors a unique experience—and that experience goes beyond merely viewing an animal through a glass wall. Visitors have the freedom to get close to the animals and experience them as though they were right there. It’s an intimate experience without the danger of standing in the presence of a 400lb lion that could tear you to shreds. VR can take visitors to animals that cannot be brought to them. Take, for example, Immotion Group’s newest release—a VR swim with humpback whales. This rare experience has been brought to the public for the very first time and justifies the variety of uses for VR. Zoos could bring their visitors to animals in their natural habitats without ever disturbing them.

In the world famous Toronto Zoo, INDE launched the Air, Land and Sea Augmented Reality experience. It lets visitors stand right beside waddling penguins and mighty orcas. The experience shows the animals interacting with each other and the environment—it’s as educational as it is entertaining. This use of augmented reality provides visitors of all ages with a memorable, immersive experience. 

Franklin Park Zoo launched Agents of Discovery, an augmented reality app that connects children with the zoo on a deeper level. Geo-triggered missions teach the importance of biodiversity and preserving ecosystems. “Agents of Discovery is an engaging way for children to not only immerse themselves in nature but to also learn while they are having fun,” said Cynthia Mead, Zoo New England Executive Vice President of External Affairs and Programming. 

Another experience in Tampa called The Big Cat Rescue highlights a number of wild cats species that the sanctuary conserves.  Visitors to this “VR zoo” can download an app to watch the cats eat and play. They can also don one of the virtual reality headsets to get an even closer look. It serves as an immensely educational experience without having visitors disrupt the lifestyles of the animals.

While VR does put us at a distance, the benefits of VR for zoos far outweigh its drawbacks. This enhanced experience for visitors will attract increased numbers of visitors as zoos incorporate them into their exhibits. We look forward to seeing how technology develops to heighten life’s adventures.