The ‘Zoo Vista’ bus in which people visiting the Tyavarekoppa zoo-cum-safari near Shivamogga can watch a short VR video featuring animals.
Credit: DH Photo
Shivamogga: In a first-of-its-kind effort in a zoo in the state, people visiting the zoo-cum-safari at Tyavarekoppa near Shivamogga can now watch a short video featuring tigers, lions, bears, leopards and other animals housed in the zoo, inside a darkroom using virtual reality technology.
The facility named ‘Zoo Vista’ was launched on the occasion of World Wildlife Day on March 3.
An unused mini bus in the zoo has been converted into a mini-theatre (darkroom) where people can view the immersive video using the special spectacles that will be provided to them. The simulated environment created inside the bus using virtual reality technology makes viewers feel like animals are roaming around them and they are with the animals.
The duration of the video is 10 minutes and will be increased based on people’s responses. The video has been shot from a close distance and highlights the movements and emotions of animals from close quarters.
Speaking to DH, Tyavarekoppa-based zoo-cum-safari Executive Director Amarakshara M V said the video will be screened throughout the week from morning to evening and can be watched free of cost.
“The main aim behind screening the video is to provide a different realm to visitors keen to see the behaviour of animals, carnivores in particular, from a close distance,” he said.
He added that it has been a week since the screening of the video started and almost all of the viewers liked it. The zoo authorities are collecting suggestions from people and will incorporate important ones in the video in a phased-manner.
PRO appointed
Amarakshara also mentioned that a public relations officer (PRO) has been appointed to inform people about the animal adoption programme and encourage them to adopt animals in the zoo. The person will also play the role of a consultant and people can contact him for any information regarding the zoo.