30.07.20
Zoom Thru Zoo
While the world fixes its eyes on the top companies and how they will survive COVID-19. The most imaginative and care-free group has wondered how their main attraction will thrive in the circle of life. Like everyone, Zoos have had to pivot to survive. Many Zoo’s have adapted and embraced technology to host livestreams, behind the scenes interactions, and live viral fundraisers.
Livestreams are just a small piece of the technological embrace. The Jurassic Park esc RakuRo autonomous self-driving robot, developed by ZMP allowed Chiba Zoological Park in Japan to host an online event for children isolated at home to see their favorite animals. None of this has been possible without external community support, fundraising, and to some — extreme precautions to help the Zoo Keepers and the animals.
Zoo keepers have upped their efforts to protect themselves and the animals by more thorough cleaning and disinfection of their facilities. Their heightened instinct to protect the animals and themselves at all cost has also triggered some do-or-die alternatives. Even with the adaption to technology, and cleaning procedure, Zoo’s are still struggling financially. And this is making it hard to feed the animals. Some Zoo Keepers have considered feeding animals to each other to ensure survival. While other Zoo’s are thriving without the human interaction. Our perspective has always been to serve Zoo attendees. Throughout COVID-19 the attention has been placed back on the animals.
And that is the true pivot; from attendance focused to animal focused. This pivot is kin to what we see from brands. Brands are finding out who they really are, and what are meant to do in their industry. Without human interaction Zoo’s have rediscovered their purpose: conservation and protection of animals.
