Immersive nature centre at Zoo entrance to boost wildlife conservation awareness

Mysuru: The Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) has invited tenders for the first phase of a Nature Interpretation Centre, an immersive experience facility planned at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo), aimed at creating greater awareness about wildlife and environmental conservation among students and visitors.

The State Cabinet has approved the project under the public-private partnership (PPP) model with an estimated cost of Rs. 7.9 crore. The first phase covers the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of an immersive room and a digital zoo guide. The tender value has not been disclosed.

Designed to combine the Zoo’s heritage with modern technology, the Nature Interpretation Centre will be housed inside an existing heritage building at the Zoo entrance, eliminating the need for new construction or land acquisition.

A hi-tech system

The G+1 structure will feature a theatre-style immersive room where digital projections, synchronised audio-visual systems, extended reality (XR) technology and specially designed physical sets will provide visitors with engaging, multi-sensory experiences centred on wildlife and conservation.

It will feature advanced visual setups, including 270-degree screens. The project also includes a Digital Zoo Guide, a free mobile and web-based platform that visitors can access through QR codes and location-based triggers.

The platform will offer GPS-enabled navigation within the Zoo, detailed information on animal species and exhibits, multimedia content, safety advisories and sponsored content.

The system will act as a live guide. Based on GPS or location data, it will automatically pull up details about the specific animal or section the visitor is currently viewing.

Together, immersive centre and digital guide are expected to transform Zoo into an interactive destination where heritage, technology and conservation storytelling come together.

One of the country’s leading zoological gardens, the Mysuru Zoo is home to several rare species of animals and birds from India and abroad. With visitor numbers increasing steadily each year, the proposed interpretation centre is expected to strengthen environmental education for school and college students as well as tourists.

No dedicated centre

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Mysuru Zoo Executive Director P. Anusha said that despite being one of India’s oldest zoos, Mysuru Zoo does not currently have a dedicated interpretation centre.

She clarified that the ongoing tender process is limited to the project’s first phase, which focuses on software, technology and digital service providers.

The second phase will cover civil and structural works, including repairs and renovation of the heritage building. Anusha reiterated that the interpretation centre will be integrated into the existing heritage structure at the Zoo entrance without any new construction or land acquisition.

“The centre will showcase information on wildlife conservation, biodiversity, ecological balance and nature preservation through digital displays, photographs, models and explanatory panels,” she said.

In addition to interactive exhibits, the facility will host environmental education programmes, workshops, awareness lectures and screenings of films on nature and wildlife. The initiative is expected to enrich the visitor experience and public awareness.