Zoo Experience Network (ZEN)
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I went to the Houston Zoo last weekend with three of my favorite people in the world. We had a nice day and overall the zoo is a nice one - wide variety of rare animals, clean grounds, and the animals are not eating people.
Something Missing Found
There was … something… lacking as I approached each of the exhibits and displays but I could not put my finger on it. Then, I realized what was missing when a nice young lady zoo keeper happened to be inside the anteater exhibit when we visited it and she was really informative. It was great to have someone tell us about the anteater and what she eats and how she eats and her name and some cool little facts in an interactive way. That something we missed was more information!
The ZEN Zoo
This is where the idea for the Zoo Experience Network (ZEN) came to me - in front of the anteater lady with the shovel. When zoo patrons enter an exhibit area a monitor with directional speakers and a motion sensor will begin a two to five minute informative presentation about the animal, it’s diet, habitat, and some fun facts or interesting footage of the animal in the wild. These videos can be made by a Zoo Experience Network or by zoo employees.
How To Make Money
There are at least two possible revenue streams for the Zoo Experience Network. The network’s equipment can be sold to the zoo and maintained for a monthly fee or the equipment can be given to the zoo and continual revenue can be gained through advertising revenues sold to local businesses or even to vendors within the zoo itself. A mixed solution is also possible. For instance, the zoo can buy the equipment initially and pay no monthly fees. The only monthly fees the zoo should take should be electricity. For some exhibits (possibly all), a monitor may not be needed so only a speaker would be required.
Better Zoo, Richer Zoo
The ZEN system will significantly add to zoo visitors’ experiences and should bring additional future visitors. Not only will the system be more effective at displaying information for each exhibit but it will more effectively draw donations, corporate support, and “adoptions” from zoo visitors.
We Have the Technology
I looked into what current technology exists to create a system like this and it is used all over the place. There be existing systems used at other zoos but I doubt they use such a clever name. This article on setting up a digital signage network describes similar setups and technology.
Enhancing visitors’ experiences will always bring them back and get them to tell others about it. At the same time, the ZEN system can be used to sell more products within the zoo and bring additional donations to the animals. The Zoo Enhancement Network enhances everything about the zoo.
The Houston Zoo Blog is mostly about their baby elephant but I am hoping they will learn to use it more effectively. It holds huge opportunities for them to get some free publicity in Houston.
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:24 am
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