(DALLAS) – The Dallas Zoo is introducing the Zoo RangerTM multimedia global positioning satellite (GPS) touring device for daily visitor rental within the park. Developed by BarZ Adventures, the leading provider of hand-held GPS multimedia visitor guiding systems, the Dallas Zoo offers a unique behind-the-scenes tour to animal enthusiasts.
“It’s a whole new way to experience the Zoo,” said Gregg Hudson, executive director of the Dallas Zoo and The Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park. “It’s like having a team of zookeepers taking you on a tour.” Gloria Campos, evening news anchor at WFAA-TV and Dallas Zoo member, introduces visitors to many Zoo exhibits during the two-hour tour. Zookeepers show viewers “A Closer Look” and describe the animals’ activities. There are trivia questions and quizzes related to each topic. Zoo Ranger also offers maps of the Zoo and identifies other landmarks such as restaurants and rest rooms.
“The Zoo Ranger fits your time and schedule,” said Cynthia Bennett, Ph.D., curator of conservation education and science. “Nothing can replace the personal nature of the zookeeper talks but this is the next best thing.”
As visitors walk through the Zoo with the device, a GPS signal is triggered when the Zoo Ranger passes featured exhibits, and then visitors see and hear a vivid video description of that feature. Integrated audio, video, text, and pictures tell the stories of the animals and people at the Zoo.
For example, visitors will be introduced to the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Center and learn about exhibit. If they opt to “Take a Closer Look,” then visitors will learn how Jenny, Hercules, Timbo, and Patrick gorillas spend their days. Afterward, they can have fun answering interactive trivia questions.
Visitors also can view the entire program – learn about animals they might not have walked by or seen – on demand, regardless of location, by scrolling the touch screen of the Zoo Ranger for content files. The Zoo map on the Zoo Ranger helps visitors find their way around the park.
“The Zoo Ranger has been designed to be an edutainment product that relays the conservation and educational messages of the Dallas Zoo,” said Lee Little, founder of BarZ Adventures and inventor of the Zoo Ranger multimedia touring device. “It enhances the visitor experience by offering compelling videos of interesting stories about the activities that take place at the Dallas Zoo”
Zoo Ranger is 6 1/2” x 3 1/3” x 1 1/4” and fits into the palm of a visitor’s hand. The device weighs approximately 8 oz., has an amplified audio system, and a 4-inch LCD touch screen. Additional languages and ADA compliance features will be added in the near future. The unit can be viewed by the entire group and the Zoo Ranger tour rents for $9.95T.
“The technology is very current,” Dr. Bennett explained. “It is easy for staff to update and easy for visitors to access the content.”
Bar Z Adventures LP is an Austin, Texas based company combining experts in the fields of computer delivery systems, documentary film production, and interpretive and educational content development. BarZ Adventures has designed the patent pending Zoo RangerTM and GPS RangerTM with large venues and their visitors in mind. The sole mission of BarZ Adventures is to enhance the visitor experience by using modern technology. For more information on the company or its products, log on to http://www.zooranger.som/, http://www.gpsranger.com/, or call (512) 732-0135.
The Dallas Zoo is the largest zoological experience in Texas with 95 acres of developed land. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35 at Marsalis). The DART Light Rail Red Line stops at the Zoo entrance. Admission prices are $8.75 for adults and children age 12 and up, $5.75 for children age 3 to 11, and $5 for seniors 65 and up. Admission is free for children under 3 and Dallas Zoological Society members. The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit http://www.dallaszoo.com/ or call (214) 670-5656.
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