Twycross Zoo has opened a new exhibition called Projecting Hope featuring holograms of critically-endangered animals to raise awareness.
The Midlands-based zoo partnered with the University of Nottingham to launch the installation, described in a press release as a UK first.
For the next year, guests will discover and interact with endangered Javan rhinos and endangered African elephants through technology developed at the University of Portsmouth.
“It’s exciting to give visitors a new experience to engage and learn about animals in a way that no other UK zoo has ever done before,” said Dr Richard Sands, Twycross Zoo’s conservation education manager.
“We are in the midst of a mass extinction crisis, with one million plant and animal species at risk right now. This project is a fantastic way to raise our visitors’ awareness of two iconic species, in a cool and futuristic new way.”
Alongside the holograms, the exhibition includes illuminated infographics and engaging displays explaining the threats facing these species and the work that can be done to protect them.
When the exhibit closes, the University of Nottingham will evaluate its impact on the zoo’s visitors.
“There is no doubting that humans are the reason both elephants and rhinos are at risk of extinction, but they can also be the solution,” said Dr Lisa Yon, associate professor at the University of Nottingham, and founding director of the Elephant Welfare Project.
“I look forward to seeing the results of the project and the continued efforts to save these species from extinction.”
Elephants and rhinos at risk of extinction
Only 76 Javan rhinos remain in the world, all in Ujung Kulon National Park on the island of Java, Indonesia. All three species of elephants – Asian, African savannah and African forest – are endangered.
“As a charity fighting the extinction crisis, one of our goals is to inspire the next generation to make positive changes for wildlife,” said Dr Rebecca Biddle, director of conservation at Twycross Zoo.
“The hologram is a perfect example of how we can do this through innovative new ways, in a world that is led by technology and exciting experiences.”
Twycross Zoo’s new hologram exhibition is free with a ticket to the zoo.
