Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo will develop and test a new public education and conservation awareness program focused on orangutans. As zoos shift their priorities toward becoming conservation epicenters, a new generation of exhibits is needed to serve audiences with meaningful experiences that will foster both an appreciation for endangered animals as well as a concern for their survival in the wild. By enhancing current touch-screen computer demonstrations used to highlight the mental abilities of orangutans, the zoo will allow visitors to engage with the apes while viewing themed infographic animation designed to cultivate both an interest in the species and the desire to donate to orangutan conservation activities (reforestation efforts in Borneo). The results of this test will be shared as part of the continued effort to blend enriching educational content with messages that lead to conservation action.