Virtual zoo

Consider the museum, or zoo, or aquarium. They are expensive because they contain real things, sometimes living things that must be cared for. These are public venues that predate TV and computers. Video is cool, and HD video is really cool, and 3D HD movies like Avatar are a new level of image coolness. But I think there is still public relevance to zoos and aquariums because I think it is good to go to a place and experience as a group in an environment designed to facilitate this. Also, people and especially kids can experience actively, moving about and interacting with the physical place, not confined to a chair in a theater or squinting at a computer screen.

I propose that a Virtual Zoo could create such an environment but leverage HD and 3D technology to present images rather than real animals. Such a zoo might be sited in a place with an adequate population but without a real zoo or aquarium. The physical building would be similar to an aquarium but behind the (easily cleaned) glass are large screens. Around the screens might be dioramas to simulate the environment shown on the screen, to enhance realism and play down the "watching TV" aspect. These screens would show video of animals.

One way to get animal footage would be to use what must be long hours of real wildlife video. We see only the best moments on nature programs but the hour surrounding these moments could be looped.

Another source would be real zoos. Zoos are full of animals and sometimes they eat and fight and play but a lot of times they are resting or hiding. 3D HD cameras could be used to take footage of zoo animals, then edited to make maximally interesting loops for the virtual zoo. This footage would also serve as advertisement for the zoo providing it, so visitors to the Virtual Zoo would be motivated to visit, say, the Cincinnati zoo. The Virtual Zoo might feature one zoo or aquarium each month, prominently noting the name of the institution featured.

Another source would be CGI video. I was completely fooled by "Chased by Sea Monsters" when I accidentally tuned in. I yelled for everyone to come see this freaky shark, which turned out to be a CGI shark from the Devonian with a real diver alongside. The virtual zoo could have video of extinct creatures in a zoolike format, which is something real zoos do not have.

Finally there would be an enclosed ride around the circumference of the building. The ride would simulate a safari or submersible voyage with screens on both sides. There would be narration, music and excitement as one passed along before the screens viewing animals real or extinct. My inspiration here is the old Disney ride 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea where you peered out at sea monsters, volcanoes, ruins etc. So cool. The ride could be changed periodically so locals would stay excited. Old favorites might come back for reruns.

If locally successful, the franchise could be licensed. The physical building could be standardized and video material distributed to licensees.