The Buffalo Zoo is one step closer towards the completion of its ambitious 10-year transformational Campus Development Plan.
Thanks to $225,000 in state funding, secured by New York State Assemblymember Jon Rivera, the Zoo will be moving forward with the construction its immersive “Expedition 360” Virtual Reality Theater Dome.
The “Expedition 360” Virtual Reality Theater Dome is a one-story high, walk-in virtual reality dome theater that will be considered a huge draw due to its high tech capabilities. Visitors to the immersive experience will be virtually transported to African safaris, jungle adventures, Arctic expeditions, and underwater explorations. There will also be planetarium programs to attend, as well as family-friendly animated features to view.
“For over 150 years, the Zoo has inspired curiosity, connected generations of families with the natural world, and advanced critical conservation efforts both here in Western New York and around the globe,” said Assemblymember Rivera. “This investment will help create an exciting, state-of-the-art educational experience that introduces visitors to wildlife, ecosystems, and scientific discovery in entirely new ways while supporting the Zoo’s broader vision for the future. I am proud to secure this funding and help ensure the Buffalo Zoo remains a world-class destination for generations to come.”
The “Expedition 360” Virtual Reality Theater Dome comes in the wake of the Zoo’s Wild Explorer VR attraction that debuted last year. That attraction allows attendees to “allows guests to “soar above Africa’s Great Migration, encounter gorillas deep in the jungle, and come face-to-face with dinosaurs.” The technology pairs virtual reality and motion-seat technology.
Now, “Expedition 360” will further enhance the popular VR immersive technology, which is clearly becoming a hot ticket at the Zoo.
“The Buffalo Zoo is grateful for this generous donation from New York State Assemblymember Jon Rivera, which helps make our Expedition 360 VR Dome a reality. The Expedition 360 VR Dome is just one of the exciting projects that we are planning through our Campus Development Plan, an ambitious plan that will span over the next 10 years to bring new experiences to our guests, further our connection to our community, and expand habitats for the Zoo’s animals. It is through our generous donors, government partners, and supporters throughout the Western New York region that we can transform our Buffalo Zoo and continue inspiring generations to come,” said Lisa Smith, President and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo.
Along with the addition of the Expedition 360, other components of the ten year Campus Development Plan include expanding animal habitats, improving accessibility, additional climate-controlled and enclosed spaces for visitors, and creating more year-round opportunities for education and engagement.