virtual zoo
On September 9, Europe will witness a revolution for animals: GAIA’s Zoo of the Future opens in Brussels, the continent’s first fully virtual zoo. Here, tigers, elephants, and penguins roam free — not in cages, but through immersive technology that abolishes captivity. No bars. No chains. No exploitation. Instead, visitors encounter wildlife in three breathtaking ecosystems: the lush jungle, the African savannah, and the icy tundra.
This project does more than dazzle with virtual reality, augmented reality, and 360° projections. It redefines what a “zoo” should be. Interactive challenges let visitors solve conservation missions and earn badges, reminding us that protecting wildlife is about action, not spectacle. GAIA’s CEO Ann De Greef is clear: the goal is to rethink humanity’s treatment of wild animals, offering innovation instead of suffering. For deeper context on captivity, see our cornerstone on zoos and captivity.
For once, technology surpasses cruelty. The Zoo of the Future shows that wonder and respect can replace cages. A zoo without victims. Finally.
Based on GAIA Belgium, Belgium.
Photo via GAIA.
