August Animal of the Month: Manatee

Oh, the lovely sea cow.  Once believed to call to sailors, as would a mermaid or, say, a siren, this slow moving, blubbery beauty of the order Sirenia was our focus in August.  A favored friend of Florida, the West Indian Manatee is now endangered and relatively rare in captivity.  Learn all about this sweet creature here.

ATTENTION: This will be the last Animal of the Month that will be posted to the blog.  In the future, I will send out the fact sheet via email.  If you are interested in receiving them, please contact me.

Case study: Zoo Atlanta

Over on Yes, If..., Jon takes a pretty darn good stab at evaluating Zoo Atlanta's wayfinding and experiential issues.  So good, in fact, I've borrowed it for DesigningZoos.com!   Check it out here: Case study: Zoo Atlanta.

Designing Zoos featured on Zoo Tails!

Recently, I was interviewed by Nick over at Zoo Tails for a feature about this crazy profession I know and love.  Zoo Tails is a great place to find info about all things zoos including zoo maps, zoo photos, construction updates and more!  Check it out.  Thanks to Nick for highlighting DZ!

Future of Zoos Symposium: Article Links

Several of the presenters have shared their presentations from the February symposium via Zoolex.org. "Managed exchanges of specimens with wild populations" by Monika Fiby

"Design and architecture: Third generation conservation, post-immersion and beyond" by Jon Coe

"Beyond the animal: Exhibiting and interpreting nature" by David Hancocks

Symposium: Future of Zoos

In February, the Buffalo Zoo and Canisius College hosted a special symposium entitled "The Future of Zoos."  Unfortunately, we here at Designingzoos.com completely missed that this symposium was occurring, but luckily, our friend, founder of Zoolex.org, and symposium presenter, Monika Fiby, shared her thoughts.

Impressions by Monika Fiby monika@fiby.at, monika@zoolex.org How will zoos look in 50 to 100 years from now? This was the theme of the "Future of Zoos" symposium held at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. American animal behavior experts, conservationists, zoo directors, and international zoo design visionaries were invited to share not only what they think will be, but also to articulate what should be.I was attracted by the program, the list of participants and the proposed presentation topics. There are not many opportunities to meet with experts for a philosophical discourse. Others obviously thought the same and also made there way to Buffalo in February, which is really not the best time for a visit up North. The weather was as cold as expected and ineffective heating and ventilation systems challenged my fitness. On the other hand, excellent organization and care by staff and volunteers made sure that we never waited anywhere in the cold and could not get lost. We enjoyed a welcoming atmosphere and the time we were awarded for unusual talks with unusual people. Our host, Michael Noonan, is professor of animal behavior at the Canisius College Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relations and director of the college’s new graduate program in Anthrozoology, that examines the relationships between people and their companion animals, animals in art, literature, science, agriculture and zoos. Co-host was the Buffalo Zoo. The format of the symposium was formal presentations with some open discussion inbetween. The audience, about 100 zoo interested students and professionals, were invited to submit questions to the moderator. The symposium was video taped for compiling and publishing a printed document about the presentations and discussions. Symposium participants were asked to present their vision on following subjects: Anticipating the Nature of Future Zoo Visitors: The Demographics of Future Zoo Visitors Donna Fernandes, Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Expectations of Future Zoo Visitors Jesse Donahue, Saginaw Valley State University Beyond the Animal: Exhibiting and Interpreting Nature David Hancocks, Author, Architect, Zoo Director Emeritus The Size and Shape of Future Zoos Jeffrey P. Bonner, St Louis Zoo Decentralizing Functions: The Proliferation of Institutional Forms Kenneth Shapiro, Animal & Society Institute Design and Architecture: Third Generation Conservation, Post- Immersion and Beyond Jon Coe, Jon Coe Design An Anthrozoological Perspective: Zoos Can Imprison Us/Zoos Should Liberate Us Paul Waldau, Canisius College The Role of Zoos in Conservation Is Conservation a Viable Mission for Future Zoos? Kevin Murphy, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Managed Exchanges of Specimens with Wild Populations Monika Fiby, ZooLex Zoo Design Organization The Diminished State of Wildlife: How Zoos Might Respond William Conway, Wildlife Conservation Society The Changing Educational Role of Zoos Keith Winsten, The Brevard Zoo Zoos as Resources for Scientific Research Donald Moore, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park The Expanding Mission of Zoos: New Socio-Cultural Roles Erik Trump, Saginaw Valley State University The Future Regulatory Environment James F. Gesualdi, Attorney at Law Species Selection in Future Zoos: Some Species Do Not Belong In Zoos Catherine Doyle, In Defense of Animals Standard-based Decision Making Susan Margulis, Canisius College Cloning the Extinct: Ecological Prosthetics or Eco-ethical Minefield? Jeffrey Yule, Louisiana Tech University Bioengineered Life: Moral Implications for Future Zoos John Fraser, New Knowledge Organization Ltd The Role of Robotics in Future Zoos Michael Noonan, Canisius College Many statements remained undisputed, while others were highly controversial. Although we were asked to prepare visions for a far distant future, most discussions revolved about the current situation in the US and short term trends. I summarized, what I considered interesting points from my personal perspective as an Austrian landscape architect and zoo designer with an international perspective. I studied in the United States, participated in several American zoo conferences and have known several participants for a long time. On the other hand, I have been working in Europe, Africa and Asia. I therefore focus on trends and visions that I believe are relevant on a global scale. General trends Urbanization, diversity, the demand for customization, all time media-use and nature-deficit disorders are trends that make zoos a prime location for family shared experiences and unstructured play. The divide between elite and working class will become more important in the future. Scientific findings dissolve the differences between animal and man. Feelings, emotion, empathy, tool use, self-awareness and collaboration are not distinctive features, but gradual differences. Climate change and lack of corridors between habitats trap wild animals. Conservation efforts so far have mostly been driven by species' importance, body mass and representation of biological distinctiveness. Compelling visions Zoos have too many functions (conservation, education, entertainment) and need to change and focus. Zoos will become less ark and more museum, less global and more local, less urban and more park. Performing art, virtual experiences, environmentalism and political mission will become more important. Institutions will decentralize and become managers of animal experiences. These experiences will be less predictable and more open ended than today. Zoos thus will continue to develop into many different forms: reserves, protected areas, safaris, parks, sanctuaries, rehabilitation centres, breeding centres, theme parks, virtual zoos. etc. The development is not linear, but happens parallel at different speed in different places. Cohabitation with semi-wild animals in urban, agricultural and forestry landscapes will also develop. The boundaries between managing animal populations in semi-wild, free-range and captive situations will blur. The translocation of wild animals - such as elephants in Malaysia - into semi-wild conditions will continue. The difference between ex-situ and in-situ will blur. Semi-natural settings for observing semi-wild animals will become common tourist attractions. Education Zoos are not the right location to promote behaviour change because this takes time. Zoos' strengths are authenticity (real animals, real people, real projects, real stories, real experiences), various levels of engagement (signs, programs, websites), customization (media, programs), and connection with local nature. There is a demand for conservation action that zoos can answer with local conservation projects. The boundaries between formal and informal education are blurring. Welfare Reducing animals to objects of entertainment and education is in conflict with allowing them as much sovereignty as possible. New technologies such as motion detectors may help to give captive animals more control of their environment. Physical interaction with wild animals may get replaced by virtual touch. Since no technology replaces the real animal experience and effective monitoring of touching is not possible, domestic animals are the first place for direct interaction. Stress indicating devices may help to manage touch animals. In the future, more people may get involved in animal management decisions such as transfer, euthanasia, rescue and reintroduction since it has become easier to identify individual animals. Rescue and reintroduction may become common practice of zoos and aquariums in collaboration with welfare activists. There is no contradiction between conservation and welfare. Animal care improves with science. Welfare research for zoo animals is more difficult than for farm animals because their living conditions are much more varied. Welfare should become the main consideration when keeping animals. Husbandry should provide optimum physical and social environments. No more locking in of animals in winters, no more concrete floors, no more "wrong" animals in zoos. Orcas, chimpanzees, elephants may not be allowed in zoos in the future and more species may follow. But, where will they live? Conservation Restoration costs much more than conservation. Conservation helps to avoid extinction. But, reproduction is expensive and not sustainable in zoos. Zoos cannot be arks because of space problems and small animal populations. Reproduction planning should be top-down. Thus, large scale breeding centres, translocation, reintroduction for genetic augementation might become more common. Zoos should narrow the range of display animals, spezialize and focus, and eventually replace sanctuaries. On the other hand, diverse collections and breeding are useful for keeper training. Cloning may become a tool for restoring extinct species, but also for creating chimeras. Cave bear, woolly mammoth, dodo and Tasmanian tiger may be recreated, because their DNA is available. A Pleistocene collection is imaginable. Genetic engineering may be used to customize animals, such as lions that behave like cats. Summary Overall, the symposium was inspiring and exciting and many wished that there will be similar events in the future. The opportunity to discuss with experts from various disciplines on an abstract level was considered useful: Self-reflection and uncovering assumptions may help us to give up disfunctional human centricism.

New Media Follow-Up: Visitors Online

In a study conducted by climate change education research group, CLiZEN, current zoo and aquarium visitors are highly engaged in digital media on a regular basis.  The inaugural study was intended to collect background information on zoo-goers for use as the group develops educational recommendations specific to climate change.  However, these results have larger educational and marketing implications, as was discussed earlier in this previous post. From the study:

"Research Topic: Zoo and aquarium visitors have access to and experience with virtual social networks and other Internet technology platforms.

To determine the potential for usage of technology platforms as effective climate change education resources for zoo and aquarium visitors, visitors were asked if they use mobile technology to access the Internet and whether they regularly use any social networks or gaming systems.

1. Most visitors have access to a hand-held Internet connection during their visit to a zoo or aquarium
2. Overall, 60% of visitors regularly use Facebook.
   • Usage of Facebook varies considerably based on visitors’ ages. For visitors age 18-24 years old, 84% use Facebook, whereas visitors age 60 years old or more, only 28% use Facebook
3.  Twenty-five percent of visitors regularly play Nintendo’s Wii gaming system (Figure 25).
4.  In addition, almost half of survey respondents indicated they regularly play at least one type of electronic game.
   • Older visitors, however, may not be as likely to utilize these resources (approximately 20% of the sample)."

To read the full study, click here.

Resource: MFA's National Review of Revenue Stats

Fledgling economic firm, Market & Feasibility Advisors (MFA), recently released a national review of all 220 AZA accredited institutions' revenue strategies.  This review includes basic statistics on pricing and membership strategies, presence of animal encounters and rides, among many others. MFA's recent document is part of an on-going process to build a database for use by clients when evaluating their economic status.  Within this 'teaser' document, MFA shares a few of their industry insights.

1.  Zoos across the country do not share a pricing strategy, nor does there appear to be any causal relationship between price and characteristics of the zoos.  Basically, as guests, we pay what the market will bear.

2.  Individual membership pricing is over-priced across the country (vs. family memberships).

3.  Zoos under-utilize rides as a revenue AND interpretation strategy.

4.  Water play is a hot new trend with real revenue potential.

For the complete document, click Zoo Aquarium report 2011.

Zoos Good for the Economy

Okay.  This is sort of a 'duh' post.  But...get over it. According to AZA's Economic Impact Report released earlier this year:

"Total contribution of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to the U.S. economy in 2010 was $16 billion, generating personal earnings totaling $4.7 billion and supporting 142,436 jobs."

This contribution was attributed to both zoo spending (operating outlays and capital improvements) and guest 'before-and-after visit' spending.

For the full report, click AZA Impacts 2011.

Go AZA!

August Animal of the Month

The inaugural run of the PGAV SDT is coming to an end.  As such, I am publishing the final Animal of the Month for 2011. This month's fact sheet is all about the king of fish...the Whale Shark.

Enjoy!

Releasing Wild Success

In an ongoing effort to educate ourselves, our clients, and the tourism community at large, PGAV commissioned a study about our (read: MY) favorite guests: Zoo-goers! Read the fascinating (and well-written, if I say so myself!) article here.

The article has been published in the August issue of Destinology, a mini-magazine put out by PGAV, as well as a Feature Article online through Blooloop.

It's Official...Glacier Run is a Success!

Since it’s opening in April, Glacier Run at Louisville Zoo has been a busy place!  Not only have they recently received a rescued polar bear cub, bringing their population to 2, but they have been housing a family of three grizzly bears rescued from Yellowstone earlier this year.

Word from the zoo is the grizzly bears are especially fond of the large dig pit included in the new exhibit.   They apparently spend almost all of their time digging around in the gravel and mulch, and to our pleasure, we have succeeded in keeping the mess from the dig pit from entering the pool.  The secret?  Locating the dig pit at a slightly lower elevation than the water level, and separating the dig pit from the main pool by a shallow stream.

Last month, PGAV Destinations sent out the following press release:

Glacier Run Exhibit Opens at Louisville Zoo

PGAV Destinations Project Teaches Visitors Better Bonds with Wildlife and Our Planet 

(St. Louis, Missouri – August 16, 2011):  PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of entertainment and cultural destinations, is pleased to announce that its Glacier Run project is touted as a sensation at the Louisville Zoo.  PGAV Destinations served as the lead designer of this state-of-the-art attraction.

Designed as an imaginary town on the edge of the arctic wilderness, Glacier Run is modeled after the real town of Churchill, Canada, known as the polar bear capital of the world, where humans and wildlife have learned to co-exist.

“Glacier Run is sure to delight and entertain, but also tells one of the most important environmental stories of our generation. This arctic-themed exhibit fundamentally advances a Zoo’s mission of ‘bettering the bond between people and our planet,’” Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “The very nature of this exhibit’s design is based on the idea of humans learning to co-exist with wildlife.”

PGAV Destinations’ design features include an old mining quarry, now flooded with water, where the bears come to play, a fishery and warehouse dock for more bear play space, and a melting glacier, that has destroyed a road in the town, for extra bear play space. The exhibit offers spectacular views, captivating stories of the arctic and unique opportunities for close encounters with polar bears, as well as grizzly bears.  Guests have the opportunity to interact with zookeepers, learn about current challenges to arctic environments and animals, and discover how incremental changes in human everyday activities and behaviors can make a difference for our planet and these magnificent species.

The attraction is on its way to increasing attendance at the Louisville Zoo to more than 890,000 visitors annually and creating a $33.6 million economic impact for the region.

About Louisville Zoo

In its 43-year history, the Louisville Zoo has dedicated itself to the pursuits of education, conservation, scientific study and recreation. Accredited by the American Zoological Association (AZA) in 1980, the "State Zoo of Kentucky" currently exhibits over 1,700 animals in naturalistic and mixed animal settings representing both geographical areas and biomes or habitats.  www.louisvillezoo.org

About PGAV Destinations                                                                                                                                  

PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. The firm uniquely combines award-winning storytelling and creativity with business strategy to create some of the world’s most important cultural, heritage, and natural destinations. PGAV develops growth-oriented master plans and translates these plans into innovative new destination products. Now in its fifth decade, the firm has authored hundreds of highly successful projects in places such as SeaWorld, the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, The Brookfield Zoo, the Georgia Aquarium, Kennedy Space Center, and Busch Gardens.  www.pgavdestinations.com

July Animal of the Month: Bottlenose Dolphins

They could be the happiest animals on the planet, or the most mischievous...Either way, they are the focus of the Zoo Design Animal of the Month fact sheet.

We were inspired by our incredible field trip to the Georgia Aquarium this week where we met with some awesome folks and very talented dolphins, the stars of the Aquarium's new "Dolphin Tales" show.

More to come on our field trip, but for now, just sit back and 'soak in' the good stuff about dolphins.

Dolphin SDT AotM July

June Animal of the Month: African Lions!

Panthera leo!  Who doesn't love the king of beasts?  According to PGAV's nation-wide poll, no one!  Big Cats have recently been identified by zoo-goers as their favorite animals at the zoo, and by a wide, wide margin.  Because of this, we wanted to share some interesting facts about one of America's most beloved critter! Infosheet here: Lion SDT AotM June

Georgia Aquarium Opens "AT&T Dolphin Tales"

gaq dolphin logo

The newest addition to the massive Georgia Aquarium is a $110 million PGAV Destinations-designed home for eleven dolphins called "Dolphin Tales".  Opened April 2, 2011, the dolphin mecca includes a spectacular new show, an 1800-seat theater, new holding pools, an exhibit area, and a spacious lobby for watching the dolphins before the show or during a special event. We talked with architect Tom Marschner about his role in the massive project.

DZ: What was your official role?

TM: Construction Administrator for PGAV.  [I] assisted the Client and Contractor during construction as questions and changes arose.

georgia-aquarium

DZ: What was the goal of the project?

TM:  Create a world-class indoor dolphin theater on a small 1 acre pie shaped site adjoining the existing Aquarium.

DZ: What was the most challenging aspect of your job?  

TM: Figuring out all of the intricacies that come when you are connecting to an existing building.  There are things [that] don’t show up on the existing drawings or that have changed in the years since the original building was built that [the] design needs to adjust to.  Most of the time there is only a day to figure it out in order to not hold up the construction.

DZ: What was the most satisfying?  

TM: When the first dolphin was placed in the exhibit, followed closely being at the opening and seeing guests enjoy the space.

GAQ Dolphins 1

The project, which began in late 2008, includes 1.3 million gallons of water between the five pools.  The show pool is 29’ deep, and only one of the three holding pools is visible from the exhibit area.  This allows the Aquarium to give the dolphins a break from ‘work’--giving them downtime from being watched by guests through a window or from the more strenuous activities of the show.

gaq dolphins

In addition to the show, the Aquarium showcases its efforts with dolphin and ocean conservation through several graphic panels and an oversized video screen.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

gaq show 2

Marschner is obviously proud to have been a part of the design and construction team on this project.  Before this, he was also deeply involved with the Brookfield Zoo’s Great Bear Wilderness.  But when asked if he now considers himself a zoo designer, he humbly responded, “I consider myself an architect with lots of zoological design knowledge.”

Thanks, Tom!

The Greening of Zoos

Recently, the PGAV Specialty Development Team has been spending a lot of time focusing on practical applications of green principles in the complex world of zoos and aquariums.  (We have spent very little time looking at aquariums as the amount of energy required to run an aquarium is beyond the practical approaches we are familiar with at our basic level of understanding.)  But, nonetheless, zoos are making strides in the green world.  And are finally getting recognized for their efforts. In 2010, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens was named the National Energy Star Greenest Zoo in America  for their work including a Platinum LEED building and the installation of solar panels over their parking lot.  That same year, the Indianapolis Zoo received a Governor’s Award of Environmental Excellence for their recycling program, and was the first zoo in the nation to receive the EPA’s Green Power Leadership Award for their commitment to purchase electricity created by green means.

But, I was curious.  What are most zoos doing these days to become green, or at least, to give the impression that they are ‘going green?’  And, how many of these practices are things that we as zoo designers can positively influence or encourage through design?

Last month, the Zoo Design SDT investigated those questions through a rather admittedly simple exercise: We browsed the internet to find green zoos and their practices.

Each of us collected the green practices of three zoos by searching for ‘green zoo’ on Google, then searching for all of the practices that zoo had published online.  We then sorted the practices into general categories, like Sustainable Purchasing, Solar Panels, and LEED Projects.

We quickly realized that these categories fall into two overall groupings:  Operational Practices and Physical Plan Components, or “Things we probably can’t affect” and “Things we definitely can affect,” respectively.

After gathering all of these practices, it is abundantly clear that although zoos are making strides to become responsible green leaders in their communities, there is a lot of room to grow.  Most zoos have strong recycling and composting programs, have initiated a green purchasing program for zoo products (like compostable or corn based dining wares and recyclable content paper products), and have implemented strategies for decreasing utilities usage (like programmable thermostats and lighting on sensors).  But more than that, consistent programs are scarce.

And physical plan green principles are the least implemented thus far.  This indicates that although zoos have the best intentions, we have a long way to go, and as zoo designers, we are perfectly perched to help guide zoos through into the next generation of zoo design: Green zoo design.

To review realistic green options for exhibit design, re-check out my previous post "Green Design in Zoos."

April Animal of the Month: Tigers

I think we're catching up to the calendar.  Expect May's fact sheet next week. But in April, we investigated the most endangered of the big cats...everyone's favorite...the striped ghost...Tigers!  Our fact sheet focuses on Bengals, but is applicable to Amurs as well.

As always, enjoy!

For the fact sheet, click here:  Tiger SDT AotM April

"10 Things Zoo Won't Tell You" via Smart Money

Interesting little article, although we have it on good authority that some of the numbers quoted are not accurate.

March Animal of the Month: Komodo Dragon

Yes, yes.  We're behind.  Stop chastising and enjoy the light reading all about our favorite real life dragons...Komodos!

For the fact sheet, click here: Komodo SDT AotM March.

Conveying Field Research and Conservation Efforts to Zoo Visitors

By Guest Blogger Christina Clagett Significance

The purpose of zoos has evolved a great deal over their history. The role of the animal in the zoo has been steadily shifting from a source of objectified amusement to that of ambassadors of their wild counterparts. In the past few decades zoos have increasingly worked beyond their boundaries; researching and reaching out to the native habitats of animals. It is common for reputable zoos to have multiple research and conservation efforts simultaneously underway across the world. The future of zoos and related wild populations depend on these projects, with the ideal result being a combination of efforts inside and outside of the zoo to stabilize and eventually restore native populations.

Zoo visitors of all ages understand that what they are seeing in an exhibit is not the “real thing” despite even the best thematic efforts. However, as they watch a live animal on exhibit, do they understand the role of this ambassador animal in the larger scope of research and conservation? Or do they see a member of a collection there for their viewing enjoyment? The success of conveying deeper meaning varies in zoos across the world; however, a vocal minority opposed to zoological organizations is just one example of a group that currently sees the latter. With so much progress being made in the field directly relating to the future welfare of a species on exhibit, more has to be done to help visitors make a connection between the two. This will add lasting meaning to their visit.

Implementation

For better or worse, attention spans of visitors are getting shorter. Overly wordy interpretive signage hardly commands significant attention and visitors move on quickly if an animal is not engaging at the moment. However, this does open the door for interactive ways to communicate the message. Interactive in this context means any medium from which a user can have a unique experience whether it is a knowledgeable person at the exhibit or a cell phone application. Many of the following strategies are already being utilized to varying degrees in zoos across the world.

In-Person Interpreter

The most simple and cost effective method to convey field efforts to visitors is to have a knowledgeable person, whether it be a trainer or volunteer docent, at the exhibit to literally recount the efforts being made. They could present artifacts sent directly from the field and visitors could have a sensory experience by touching or smelling them. However, it is not practical for a person to be in an exhibit during all operating hours so the message only gets to those visitors who happen to be there at the right time.

Role-Play Areas

A role-play area can mimic field conditions which relate to an exhibit. The scale of these play areas can vary from simple to elaborate or immersive. Most important with this strategy is to celebrate the work being done and encourage conservation by having visitors “play” for the same team as the researcher or conservationist in the field. Viewing areas could mimic the vantage point of the field researcher as the visitor studies the ambassador animal in the zoo. They could collect data with simplified versions of the field research. Real world progress can be chronicled as it happens by sharing information from the field researcher and the game could evolve concurrently with the field work.

Implementation: Technology

The following strategies all depend on the researcher in the field having access to technology to chronicle their work in real-time. Although the information they capture does not have to be shown up-to-the-minute, visitors feel a stronger connection when the content is fresh.

Media Wall/Video Screen

It would be impactful for visitors to see the field work happening on a screen adjacent to the exhibit. For example, having the experience of a close-up encounter while the wild counterpart is visible on a large screen could be very powerful. The researcher could film clips regularly that play on a loop at the exhibit, chronicling recent progress and findings. This would provide a unique experience for even habitual visitors each time as the exhibit avoids becoming static. An added benefit is they come to have an understanding of the field research and will relate it to the animal ambassador in the exhibit.

Social Media

Along the previous topic, the field researcher could take the content they have created and use various social media to share with a larger audience. There could be advertising for this content at the zoo entrances or specific exhibit to spread the word initially and it could be available on YouTube, Facebook or chronicled in a blog. Imagine how it would impact an elementary school science class to follow a particular blog over the school year and see firsthand the real pace of progress; whether quick or painfully slow. Content visitors consume at the exhibit could be reviewed at home on YouTube and shared with friends, convincing them to head to the zoo for themselves.

Animal Apps

As more parents take their children to the zoo with a smart phone or tablet in their bag, the opportunities to share information multiply. Utilizing this technology, all of the data and media collected from the field researcher could be programmed for an experience unique to each guest or group. There are many possibilities to create an interactive experience which combines the exhibit happenings with the field work. Imagine being able access information on demand, and even be able to interact with parts of the exhibit or field researcher with your phone or tablet. In the exhibit, you could control media and interactives with the phone. To go even further, imagine pressing a button on your phone to interact with the animal on exhibit: i.e. controlling an element within the exhibit itself such as a stream current. Not only would this be memorable for guests but could serve as enrichment for the animals as well, as long as it is programmed to prevent getting out of hand. Perhaps there is a limit on how many times such an interactive could be engaged in a given period of time. It should not be ignored that these applications could be a revenue source for the zoos as well.

Game applications which relate to the field work in a similar way to the role play games described earlier could be a huge hit with visitors. Once again, this is something they can engage long after leaving the zoo: it would succeed in keeping guests invested with the animals beyond their visit and create a lasting connection. If kids and parents alike can spend so much time playing games such as “Angry Birds” they could surely get into a game which relates to something they have personally seen or been involved with at the exhibit.

Utilization of an Opportunity

People, particularly children, are often emotionally affected by animals. This is especially true at the moment they connect with an animal in person. We cannot afford to squander the fleeting opportunity of this emotional connection. When a visitor moves on the emotional connection will diminish. We should use the moment to tell them the rest of the story and get them involved and engaged. We as zoo designers should do everything we can to nurture that connection and concern, and integrate the world-wide happenings from the field. We can nurture the formation of future attitudes towards animals and conservation in a more meaningful way than is currently being done on a mass scale.

Christina is a member of the PGAV Zoo Design Specialty Development Team.  She has been working at PGAV since 2008.  She has a Masters Degree in Architecture from Kansas State University, and is especially proud of her work on the currently under-construction Sea Lion Sound at the St. Louis Zoo.

Kansas City Zoo's Master Plan in Full Swing

Currently, PGAV is working with several zoos to master plan for the coming years.  One of our current clients is the Kansas City Zoo.  We've been working with them for several years now, helping them with the new entrance and the polar bear exhibit.

Kansas City Zoo's number one problem is its size.  The Zoo, which is easily one of the largest in the U.S., is spread across 200 acres, requiring guests to spend a majority of their visit simply walking from one attraction to another.  In a long term effort to curb this, the Zoo has already started bringing animals to the front of the zoo.  Beyond that, the new master plan intends to create concentrated zones of exhibits where guests can easily take in all of the experiences and feel they've accomplished something for the day, while leaving unvisited areas for another day.  This approach is something that other zoos should consider as most zoos are local attractions--most guests come from nearby and they come several times a year.

For some reason, this master plan has been receiving a lot of press.  Below are a few links for additional information:

"Master plan for Kansas City Zoo calls for 'mini-zoos,' more attractions and entertainment." Associated Press

"KC Zoo considers blueprint for the future: three zoos in one." Kansas City Star

For more master plan images, click here.