Denver Zoo offers a captivating virtual reality experience that transports visitors to the heart of the animal kingdom. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or a curious explorer, the Denver Zoo Virtual Reality program provides an immersive and educational journey that brings you closer to the natural world than ever before.
Gorilla Trek: A Primate Odyssey
One of the flagship experiences at Denver Zoo Virtual Reality is the “Gorilla Trek.” This virtual reality adventure takes you on a guided expedition to the lush forests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll encounter the majestic mountain gorillas. Led by renowned primatologist Dr. Tara Stoinski, you’ll witness the intricate social dynamics of these endangered primates, gaining a deeper understanding of their behavior and habitat. The experience utilizes state-of-the-art virtual reality headsets and motion seats, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the gorillas’ world.
Virtual Classroom: Bringing the Zoo to You
For those seeking a more interactive educational experience, Denver Zoo offers the “Virtual Classroom” program. This online session allows learners of all ages, from preschoolers to high school students, to engage in a live classroom safari with the zoo’s expert educators and animal ambassadors. Whether you’re a teacher looking to enhance your curriculum or a curious individual eager to learn, the Virtual Classroom provides a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom from the comfort of your own home or classroom.
Wild Discovery: Livestream Safaris
In addition to the Virtual Classroom, Denver Zoo presents the “Wild Discovery” series, a collection of live-cast virtual field trips. These events feature members of the zoo’s education team, who guide participants through real-time explorations of the zoo’s habitats and animal residents. Designed for students in grades K-2, the Wild Discovery series offers a captivating and interactive way to learn about the natural world, with the ability to ask questions and engage with the presenters in real-time.
Free Online Resources
Denver Zoo recognizes the importance of making educational resources accessible to all, which is why they offer a variety of free online activities and materials. These include animal ethograms, virtual meet-and-greets with animal ambassadors, and explorations of aquatic habitats. These resources are perfect for students, teachers, and anyone interested in learning more about the diverse species that call the Denver Zoo home.
Booking Your Virtual Adventure
To participate in the Denver Zoo Virtual Reality experiences, simply visit the zoo’s website and book your sessions in advance. The Gorilla Trek is available during regular zoo hours, while the Virtual Classroom and Wild Discovery events can be scheduled at your convenience. Prices for these programs vary, with the Gorilla Trek costing $7 per person and the Virtual Classroom and Wild Discovery events priced at $5 per student.
Conclusion
The Denver Zoo Virtual Reality program offers a unique and immersive way to explore the natural world without leaving the comfort of your own home or classroom. Whether you’re interested in witnessing the social dynamics of mountain gorillas, engaging in a live classroom safari, or simply learning more about the diverse species that call the Denver Zoo home, these virtual experiences provide an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the animal kingdom. So why not embark on your own virtual adventure and discover the wonders of the Denver Zoo today?
References:
- Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Gorilla Trek. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/experience/gorilla-trek/
- Yahoo Finance. (2023, November 2). Denver Zoo Opens New Wildlife Virtual Reality Experience. Retrieved from https://finance.yahoo.com/news/denver-zoo-opens-wildlife-virtual-200000976.html
- Denver Gazette. (2023, November 2). Denver Zoo opens virtual reality experience ‘Gorilla Trek’. Retrieved from https://denvergazette.com/news/wildlife/denver-zoo-vr-mountain-gorilla-experience/article_eeb0af60-7996-11ee-aaa2-83f5449e7447.html
- Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Experiences. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/attractions/
- Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Virtual Classroom. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/virtual-classroom/.