Adelaide Zoo first zoo in Australia to roll out iBeacon technology
An exciting new technology which will allow Adelaide Zoo visitors to access location-specific information about the Zoo, its animals and conservation work at the touch of a button will be launched this year.
In partnership with the Specialist Apps Company, Adelaide Zoo is introducing enhanced content, straight to Bluetooth-enabled devices through iBeacon and eLocker technologies.
Visitors will be able to download an App and then access a range of experiences at different locations around the Zoo through their Apple or android device.
The general public and students of all ages will have access to location-specific information based on video, audio and text-based media.
Students will be able to access learning trails and use their personalised experiences back in the classroom to continue their learning about animals and conservation.
iBeacons are small transmitters which utilize Bluetooth and wifi to detect nearby devices subscribed to a specific app and provide notifications of available information.
iBeacons trigger messages on visitor devices, alerting them to points of interest around the Zoo and providing interesting and practical information such as species facts, the location of the closest facilities and educational tools.
Zoos SA Zoo Learning General Manager Jonathan Noble said the new technology would be a fantastic educational tool, allowing students to unlock previously unseen information and use it to learn about important animal and conservation issues.
“The app can be adapted for various visitor types, including general visitors, international tourists and school groups,” Jonathan said.
“Learning opportunities for students at the Zoo will be transformed with the app to provide an interactive learning experience, including quizzes, games and information.”
iBeacons and eLockers and are being used by many leading museums and galleries around the world, including the National Trust of South Australia and the Sovereign Hill Museums Association in Ballarat to bring tours to life and provide contextual resources as well as to highlight the latest news or other interesting facts at the touch of a button.
The new technology is expected to be introduced at Adelaide Zoo in the later part of this year with new learning trails added in 2017.
