Wide Sky Design installed a range of technology to enhance the immersive experience of the exhibit.
The gateway to Wild Explorers is low key and hidden from the main exhibit, creating a sense of entering a new and unknown environment ready to be discovered. Five zones then take visitors on a journey of exploration.
The indoor AV zone uses the sights and sounds of the three species to set the scene, tell their stories and guide the interpretative journey.
Two Optoma W505 projectors with short throw lenses were installed in the experience, along with large format graphics and a moving head gobo light to create the feeling of being out in the animals’ natural habitat with daylight and dappled lighting effects. A soundscape of the savannah adds to the atmosphere.
W505 projectors display pre-recorded footage of the three species, edited to create sequences that run across two large screens, each 3.5 metres wide, to give the experience of being amongst the roaming animals.
CCTV was installed in the paddocks and live footage from these cameras, along with pre-recorded videos, is displayed around the exhibit so visitors would not miss an exciting moment with the animals.
Outside, the Nature Detective area reveals the habitat, hinting at the arid areas from which these species originate, and offering clues (tracks and signs) that help visitors to find animals in their vast natural environments.
With unrestricted views and ‘spy in the grass’ cameras, a raised Observation Boardwalk encourages guests not just to look, but to really see the animals, near and far.
Stepping off the boardwalk, visitors enter the Discovery zone. Complete with a safari vehicle resting by the water hole, this area encourages discovery and learning through a range of novel activities. This space hosts regular presentations, held either inside or outside, subject to the weather.
The journey through Wild Explorers concludes with the chance for children to let off steam and allow their imaginations to run wild in the Field Station play area.