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Wild Adventure Ride
In today’s world, technology plays a powerful role in education. The Wild Adventure Ride is the country’s first animal-based virtual reality voyage. The action-packed simulator is an exciting 30-seat cabin that offers a variety of thrilling educational productions, blending theatre and technology. The three-stage immersion experience begins with the Pre-Show and allows audiences to experience a variety of themed environments. Stage two is the Story Theater, where the audience enters a multi-media presentation featuring panoramic video-wall technology and surround-sound. After these experiences, the audience boards the Simulator cabin, for a 1.7-G full-motion ride. The Wild Adventure Ride is a unique “you are there” experience that connects visitors to the world of nature as they “see the world through the eyes of animals.” Wilderness Adventure addresses the issues and importance of animal welfare, and instills empathy for the stories of our fellow living creatures.
Humane Science Lab
One of several interpretive studios in the Ford Education Center, the Humane Science Lab will be the hub of many of the Academy’s programs. The Lab will provide an opportunity for students to learn utilizing humane methods of study like dissection models and simulations. Additionally, students, teachers, and visitors will experience other programs that model gentle ways of teaching and learning science.
Backyards for Wildlife Site
The Backyards for Wildlife site shows visitors ways they can create desirable habitats for indigenous animals and plants. This area demonstrates that helping animals begins in your own backyard. Interpretive graphics emphasize the need and benefit of this type of backyard program.
MOSAIC Theater Production
The nationally acclaimed MOSAIC Youth Theater was contracted to create a humane education production, Zoomanity. Working with Society staff, this talented group of youth produced a piece that promotes a better understanding of how we affect the world of animals, including the ones that live with humans – our pets. This production instills a strong sense of empathy for our pets, promotes responsible pet choice and care, and motivates audiences to treat animals with respect and kindness.
Humane Medley
Mosaic Youth Theater was contracted to create a humane education medley. This medley is appealing to youngsters and has been used in a wide variety of programs. The Society's visitors vary in their learning styles and aural learners are particularly receptive to song.
Summer Safari Camp
Summer Safari day camp excites children about animals and motivates them to care about animals. Through role-playing activities, songs, and art projects, kids develop empathy for other living creatures. Each year at camp, about 1,500 kids discover their role as stewards of our planet, and they become empowered to “make a difference.” Additionally, all Summer Safari Teachers and Aides receive a special 3-hour Humane Education Training Session to maximize the integration of humane education into all Summer Safari programming. Eco Adventure and Earth Trek are new camps dedicated to exploring the impact we have on the planet and its inhabitants.
Docents
Docents, or volunteer educators, have contact with thousands of Society visitors each year at all three facilities, through guided tours and informal learning experiences. They promote a humane ethic when interacting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Annual Recertification for docents includes a section on humane education. This presentation discusses humane education issues and the stories of the many rescued animals at the Society in order to better share humane education concepts with tour participants and guests.
Humane Education Film
The Society has produced a film by Academy Award winner Sue Marx. “From Animal Showboat to Animal Lifeboat” illustrates the many ways animals in entertainment are exploited and suggests a different course for the future. This film won an Emmy and was co-written and co-produced by Society Director Ron Kagan.
STORY HERE
VIEW: HI-SPEED (wmv) (68.50 MB)
VIEW: DIAL-UP (wmv) (9.52 MB)
Zoo Movies
There are nine Society commissioned films that run continually in the theater of the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery and are also available at area libraries and public schools. The movies were created by Academy Award winner Sue Marx and Society Director Ron Kagan to highlight aspects of the relationship between humans and animals.
Humane Recognition
A reception honoring individuals that have made significant humane education achievements will be held once a year to recognize their accomplishments (this program is in development). This will initiate the Detroit Zoological Society's Humane Education Honor Roll which will be housed in the Ford Education Center.
Media and Signage
The Society’s frequent press releases about issues involving animal protection and substantial on-site signage about rescue animals create visibility for the problems associated with keeping exotic animals, animals in entertainment and other welfare topics. They also encourage people to become animal advocates.
Web Site Development
A major section of the Detroit Zoo's web site is being developed to incorporate humane education content, activities, and recognition. This humane education section will be launched with feature stories and pictures of the Society’s rescued animals. Other topics in this section of the web site will include “walking softly activities," "Kids Did It," and links to other animal welfare related web sites.
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