What Switzerland thinks about virtual reality zoos

In Switzerland and also in other European countries, a social discourse about animal husbandry in general has been going on for quite some time, which of course also affects the member institutions of the Association of Zoological Gardens. A survey commissioned by the VdZ in German-speaking Switzerland answers the question of whether zoos are still ok and what people think of virtual reality (VR) zoos.

The result is clear: three out of four Swiss people are behind zoos in this country. This was the result of a study by the opinion research institute Forsa. Other zoo tasks such as the commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, to the education of broad sections of the population and to the study of animal species are also considered important by a large majority of respondents. This shows that zoos are perceived as an educational institution, an extracurricular place of learning, a cultural institution, a recreational space and a centre of excellence for animal, species and nature conservation.

Majority sceptical about VR zoos, however

The majority of respondents, do not believe that digital media and documentaries are a substitute for a visit to the zoo. Only 33 per cent of respondents would consider a good animal film as an equivalent substitute. 60 percent think that a virtual reality zoo would not offer the same experience as a visit to a real zoo.

The question remains how many of these people have already explored a virtual zoo, or even a safari-like virtual experience, such as the Gorillas in VR, about which we reportedhave enjoyed. Of course, as with all VR applications, the quality and immersion in the world is the match. For families, it is certainly important that there is a multi-user function so that you can experience the zoo together, just like on a normal excursion.

In China, people once again seem open to new technologies. In 2018, the first VR zoo celebrated its opening, as we reported at the time. reported. The clear advantage is that even extinct or very rare, difficult-to-hold animals can be brought to life and one can get as close to the animal as will ever be possible in real life.

Source: wildbeimwild