A virtual reality (VR) facility made its debut at Guangzhou Zoo on 1 January 2018. From now on, visitors can not only view rare animals there. They can also interact with them using virtual reality technology.
The advantage of a zoo that only exists virtually is obvious: animals no longer have to be captured and caged. Moreover, animals that no longer exist can at least be brought back to life virtually. The possibilities for interaction will also be greater than ever before. Anyone who has ever dreamed of looking a predator in the eye from a close distance can do so easily and without danger in a virtual zoo. The way in which information about the respective animals is presented in a virtual zoo will also be completely new. Once again, VR offers many new possibilities and opportunities!
Carrying an elephant on your hands
In China, the world's first virtual zoo opened right at the beginning of the new year. Surrounded by prehistoric animals, species from all over the world will be ready to listen to the call of visitors. This is because the applications also allow interaction: visitors can, for example, watch an Asian elephant walk over their own hand. Those who want to revive a dinosaur can do so from a pile of sand. And it is also possible to jump to another place, such as the middle of an African savannah.
VR Zoo accessible worldwide
The VR Zoo is to become a flagship for the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. But you don't necessarily have to travel that far to visit it. The VR Zoo will open online for animal lovers all over the world, said Chen Zujin. He is an employee of the Guangzhou Zoo and is responsible for scientific advice. "We are feeling our way forward," Chen said. In the future, they will also combine VR technology with animal research and projection of wild animals.
Source: German / Google
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