How commercialization and design can revitalize the zoo

Zoos go beyond mere entertainment; they hold a crucial role in conserving and studying animals. To achieve this mission effectively, zoos must actively employ diverse methods and resources. In this article, we explore how commercialization and design can contribute to the support of biodiversity and scientific research in zoological institutions.

A lion sits in a display case of plush toys, Stability Diffusion

This article unveils additional insights I’ve gained through researching zoos, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and advancing the zoo’s mission through identity.

Why do zoos need commercialization?

Zoos that work 100% just by providing education, and encouraging the research spirit — do not exist. It will always need additional income sources. Commercialization allows zoos to generate funds that can be used to maintain and improve conditions for the animals.

It may seem that animals need their own DJ, but there are simply necessary food expenses. To some, this diet may seem like a menu item in a gourmet restaurant, but each animal needs its own personal approach.

Also whenever some zebra gets depressed or the lion lacks confidence, we have to call in the professionals to give them psychotherapy.
“Why are you always growling? Let’s discuss it together!”
And, of course, we shouldn’t overlook the caretakers. There’s a reason they’re present as well.

Your money not only helps support the zoo’s wards, but also helps conduct research, save endangered species, and organize breeding programs.

The role of designers

Designers are in a position of power:

• tell people why zoos are needed and how they can help;
• emphasize the importance of scientific research and share the results;
• promote charities that encourage visitors to support animals.

The zoo is constantly undergoing improvements to cater to the interests of both animals and visitors. However, this requires additional financial resources, and therefore, motivating visitors to donate to charity or participate in other activities becomes one of the important tasks for designers.

How do you sell something you can’t see right away?

For example, research and conservation of populations? My answer is the art of storytelling and creating emotional connections with audiences, motivating action and inspiring change through powerful storytelling. In our case, it’s visual storytelling.

Many solutions already exist, but may need to be re-emphasized. Without design, zoos would not exist as they are today and conservation projects would not be as well known.

New possibilities in challenging environments

Russia’s current challenges include high inflation, unemployment, and slower economic growth due to ongoing war. In such a context, there is a pressing need to identify new avenues for development. However, with restrictions on tourism due to sanctions and other factors, this approach becomes less viable.

How development points can be considered:

1. Effectively utilize social media, the zoo’s website, and other online fundraising platforms to simplify and enhance the donor contribution process.
2. Virtual tours, which have remained popular even beyond the pandemic, offer an opportunity to generate additional revenue while allowing visitors to forge a closer connection with the animals.
3. Maintain transparency regarding the allocation of donations. Building trust with donors by sharing accomplishments and transparent activities in an easily understandable manner, rather than just dry financial documents, can encourage more support for the zoo’s animal welfare initiatives.
4. Recognize and address the local climate conditions by providing shelter from the sun or rain, and consider creative ways to incorporate these weather factors into the visitor experience.
5. The large area and rich flora of the region allow the zoo to expand its services to provide camping and/or hotel facilities right in the zoo, which increases interaction with the animals. More money goes into the zoo’s fund in this way for animal care, research and rehabilitation, keeping the zoo looking appropriate.
6. Usually, a zoo is dominated by rare animal species that are represented from all over the world, rather than the specific fauna where the zoo is located. Animals that are rare to the local fauna attract more visitors. This is also due to the mission of zoos to preserve endangered species and to educate the public.
7. Providing information and donation opportunities in different languages broadens the audience and helps to attract a wide range of donors.

In reality, zoos don’t have many tools to solve their problems. The first tool is charity. People love animals, and they feel sorry for them. As a rule, charity events always work.

But their problem is that they are unpredictable. You get a call that animals are starving, you transfer some money and calm your conscience. It is unlikely that many people will make donations on a regular basis, given the reduction in income.

Conclusion

For zoos to continue their mission, they need commercialization and innovative design. Designers play a key role by creating visual stories that inspire action. By supporting zoos, we are saving nature and its inhabitants.