Zoo introduces handheld tour device
Journal Record
May 13, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY – For about $10 on top of the regular admission fees, visitors to the Oklahoma City Zoo can get a more educational experience on their visit, rather than just reading placards about the zoo’s inhabitants.

The zoo reports about 875,000 anticipated visitors for the current fiscal year, which is too many for each person or group to get a personalized tour from a zookeeper. Instead, the zoo entered into a deal with Austin, Texas-based BarZ Adventures Inc. to rent handheld devices, called the Zoo Ranger, to give visitors a self-guided tour, behind-the-scenes views and in-depth explanations of exhibits.

Each device looks like a handheld video game console with control buttons and a full-color screen. Tara Henson, director of marketing and public relations at the zoo, greets visitors on the screen of the Zoo Ranger, explains the devices’ functions, and guides visitors through 27 stops throughout the zoo, with input from experts on certain animals and habitats.

The devices arrived last month, giving zoo personnel time to get acquainted with the Zoo Ranger before the public rollout this month.“It’s an opportunity to educate and entertain and also, of course, to raise revenue,” Henson said.

The units cost about $1,000 each, and the zoo has 50. The devices can be rented by presenting a photo ID and handing over $9.95 for unlimited use for one day.

Global Positioning System technology is programmed into the devices to cue up content relevant to a visitor’s location at the zoo, as well as provide a map with the nearest restrooms, restaurants and gift shops. Content on the device can also be updated regularly through a central computer system stationed at the zoo.

Henson said so far the devices have been popular, despite the additional charge. If demand increases, the zoo is prepared to order more units. Lee Little, CEO and founder of BarZ, developed the units and established the company in 2005 to enhance the visitor experience at educational destinations.“I would go to venues like zoos and national parks and I was appalled by the lack of information available at those venues,” Little said. “I asked, ‘Why would you go to those places if you can’t learn something?’

”BarZ’s devices are now available at the San Francisco Zoo, the Dallas Zoo, Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Vicksburg National Military Park, and Death Valley National Park, all with customized content specific to each site.“At every venue we go to, we’re trying to find the ‘wow’ factor,” Little said.

Little and Oklahoma City Zoo officials first met at a trade show about 18 months ago. A deal was ironed out in the past year and the Zoo Ranger spent about five months in development. He said the company has also talked with the Tulsa Zoo about a future partnership. And while adults must rent the device, youth response has been favorable since the Zoo Ranger was introduced. “We are always looking for ways to enhance our visitors’ experience,” Henson said. “They’ve been popular, and it’s really very easy to manage – kids get it right away.”