UK based 4D effects theatre specialist Simworx has completed a unique project at the well-known Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, England. 
The park re-opened its sea lion house, Sea Lion Cove, at the end of July following a major refurbishment, with the attraction now incorporating a brand new 320-seat 3D Safari Cinema Experience. It is the first time a safari park in the UK has combined a live action animal demonstration with state-of-the-art 3D cinema technology and the installation brings a superb new dimension to visitor entertainment at the venue.
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The new Sea Lion Cove cinema showcases three live sea lion shows each day in addition to screenings of Safari Park Adventure 3D. This is a series filmed on location for the Discovery Channel in 2011 which goes behind the scenes at Woburn with the park’s animals and keepers. The show was a huge success on Sky 3D and the short feature length episodes take viewers into the lives of Kai the rhino as he meets his new mates and right inside the lion house with the pride of African lions.
Simworx has played a key role in helping to put guests right at the heart of the action in the cinema with the supply of a high definition, 3D projection system and surround sound technology. Additionally, the company has supplied a unique, electronically retracting screen on which the films are shown which comes out over the sea lion pool during each show.
”We’ve completed a wide range of projects over the years at a variety of different venues, ” said Simworx Managing Director Terry Monkton, ”many of which have required us to provide something slightly out of the ordinary or that hasn’t been done before. Woburn is a case in point with the requirement for a retracting screen which adds a unique touch to the park’s new 3D Safari Cinema Experience. We are delighted with the way it has turned out and the contribution it makes to the overall experience.”
Also commenting on the new attraction, Woburn Safari Park General Manager Drew Mullin noted: “We hope that through the extraordinary advances in 3D technology we can offer families another great adventure with the wildlife, whilst also highlighting Woburn Safari Park’s commitment to education and conservation.”
