Melbourne Zoo installs QR technology for visitors to access information and virtual zookeeper talks

Melbourne Zoo’s installation of QR technology has given animal lovers a new way to connect with their Zoo favourites. The tiger, orang-utan, and snow leopard exhibits are among the first to get the QR code rollout, allowing Zoo visitors to access virtual zoo keeper talks and extra species information via their smartphones at any time of the day.

The virtual zookeeper talks can currently be found at six animal habitats, with plans to expand the technology throughout the Zoo in coming months.

Melbourne Zoo Director Michelle Bruggeman said the Zoo was inspired to introduce the technology after seeing it popularised in bars and restaurants for contract tracing.

Bruggeman notes “the public are used to scanning in at bars and restaurants now. So, we’ve taken that innovation and technology one step further and applied it at our different animal precincts across Melbourne Zoo.

Bruggeman said the introduction of QR codes will make the Zoo experience even more enjoyable for Zoo members and visitors, and improve access for people with hearing difficulties.

“It’s a great initiative for accessibility and for people who are hearing impaired. We’ve got subtitles across the keeper talks, so even those hard of hearing don’t miss out on what’s happening with their favourite animals.

“Our visitors are super excited about this new technology because they’re finding that when they go to their favourite animals, like Indrah the tiger, they can scan the QR code and hear our keeper talks, and learn about how the animal gets fed and enriched.”

Zoo members and visitors are reminded that all tickets to the Zoo must be pre-booked at zoo.org.au and asked to follow the current COVIDSafe directions at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.