Zoos: Animal Planet Educates Zoo Visitors with Innovative Kiosks Blooloop

"ZOOTUBES" Established at Accredited Zoos Across the Country

Animal Planet and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced the placement of interactive ZOOTUBE kiosks at zoos in 10 U.S. cities. The kiosks, which will feature behind-the-scenes zoo footage, fun conservation facts and Animal Planet exclusives, are meant to enhance visitors’ experiences by giving them an insider’s look into the animals that they experience at the zoo. The first partnership of its kind, the AZA and Animal Planet ZOOTUBES bring a national entertainment brand into zoos across the country.

"Exciting Animal Planet content coupled with the up-close experience of live animals is an unbeatable combination, " said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. "The Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Animal Planet are great, natural partners."

"Animal Planet prides itself on rich, engaging content, and these kiosks are no exception, " said Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet. "ZOOTUBES will not only inform and entertain zoo-goers nationwide, they will remind visitors that exciting animal programming can be found 24 hours a day on Animal Planet."

Each ZOOTUBE kiosk is equipped with an interactive touch screen that allows visitors to choose their area of interest. The "Zoo Scoop" — a series of behind-the-scenes vignettes hosted by Animal Planet personality, Zak George — gives viewers information about animal nutrition, behavioral enrichment and other zoo preparation activities. ”The Dirt on Animals” breaks down facts about various animals. Another content area called ”Animals Save the Planet” features a humorous and light-hearted take on how humans can make a difference in lives of animals and the environment by making small changes in their everyday lives. Animal Planet also tapped into its roster of shows to provide additional content for the kiosks. While zoo-goers are in a curious and engaged state of mind about animals, the kiosks will provide an extension of their experience by building on the exhibits.

"ZOOTUBES are a first – the first nationwide effort to place interactive kiosks in zoos and the first time zoos have joined with a national entertainment brand, Animal Planet, to develop high-quality content for on-site use, " added Maddy.

The initial rollout of ZOOTUBE kiosks includes the zoos listed below, with five more planned to rollout by the end of the year:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay, FL
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium – Columbus, OH
Houston Zoo – Houston, TX
Lincoln Park Zoo – Chicago, IL
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo – Omaha, NE
Oregon Zoo – Portland, OR
Philadelphia Zoo – Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium – Pittsburgh, PA
Saint Louis Zoo – Saint Louis, MO
Zoo Atlanta – Atlanta, GA

For a sneak-peak at ZOOTUBE content, visit www.aza.org/animal-planet.

About Animal Planet

Animal Planet Media (APM), a multi-media business unit of Discovery Communications, is the world’s only entertainment brand that immerses viewers in the full range of life in the animal kingdom with rich, deep content via multiple platforms and offers animal lovers and pet owners access to a centralized online, television and mobile community for immersive, engaging, high-quality entertainment, information and enrichment. APM consists of the Animal Planet television network, available in more than 95 million homes in the US; online assets AnimalPlanet.com, the ultimate online destination for all things animal; the 24/7 broadband channel, Animal Planet Beyond; Petfinder.com, the #1 pet-related Web property globally that facilitates pet adoption; and other media platforms including a robust Video-on-Demand (VOD) service; mobile content; and merchandising extensions.

About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. To learn more, visit AZA.org.