The 2025 annual conference of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), held in Tampa, Florida, marked a pivotal moment for the zoo and aquarium industry as it gathered professionals striving to harmonize conservation, education, and guest experience through innovative approaches. The event was hosted at the Tampa Convention Center with collaboration from notable local attractions including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and The Florida Aquarium. This setting provided a vibrant backdrop to explore evolving trends, emerging technologies, and ethical considerations, painting a compelling picture of the future of zoos and aquariums worldwide.
Among the rich discussions and presentations, a clear theme surfaced around the growing emphasis on creating more naturalistic, expansive habitats for animals. This reflects a significant industry shift from quantity to quality in terms of animal care, with the goal of fostering longer, healthier lives in environments that mirror nature as closely as possible. As noted in the conference, “In the future, zoos will house fewer animals for longer periods, placing a premium on designing expansive, enriched environments.” This trend not only elevates animal welfare but also responds to visitor expectations, who increasingly seek authentic, immersive experiences with wildlife.
Technology was also at the forefront, revealing a nuanced role in enhancing the zoo experience without supplanting the irreplaceable joy of live animal encounters. As speakers emphasized, “While immersive VR experiences, projection domes, and AI-driven tours can enhance visitor engagement, those tools are seen as complements rather than replacements for live animals.” This distinction is crucial, acknowledging the limitations of virtual mediums and affirming the sensory richness and emotional connection that only real animal interactions can provide. Personalized technology, including AI, was highlighted as a growing trend to tailor educational content and deepen visitor engagement without detracting from the core experience.
Ethical considerations infused many conversations, underscoring empathy and education as central to the evolving zoo model. The conference explored how zoos are balancing the welfare of their animal residents with delivering a meaningful guest experience. This balance aims to foster deeper community connections and support conservation efforts through what was described as “edutainment,” blending entertainment techniques with conservation messaging to generate revenue and engagement. This approach echoes a broader movement within themed entertainment, where storytelling and emotional resonance are key to impactful experiences.
What makes the AZA conference and its highlighted trends particularly compelling in the context of immersive media is their alignment with advances in fulldome storytelling and themed entertainment. Many exhibitors, including prominent companies such as AOA, B Morrow Productions, and Vortex, showcased how multimedia, projection technology, and interactive design can transform educational spaces into dynamic environments. These innovations resonate strongly with the fulldome community, which shares an interest in enveloping audiences within sensory-rich, narrative-driven experiences that educate and inspire.
The careful integration of technology in zoos mirrors the fulldome field’s emphasis on balance—leveraging cutting-edge visuals and interactivity while grounding experiences in authentic content. The use of AI to personalize tours and the cautious incorporation of virtual reality ensure that visitors remain actively engaged and emotionally connected, principles vital to successful fulldome productions. Moreover, the zenith of visitor experience being rooted in live, tangible encounters parallels the value many fulldome creators place on the fusion of real-world science and technology-driven storytelling.
Viewing the AZA’s work through the lens of immersive media underscores the growing convergence between educational entertainment venues and the fulldome ecosystem. Zoos and aquariums serve as natural partners for fulldome venues and touring dome festivals, offering content that is not only visually arresting but imbued with conservation and research narratives that enrich public understanding of biodiversity. Many institutions within the fulldome network have embraced such partnerships, recognizing the potential to extend their reach into communities via educational zoo programs and collaborative domed shows.
As AZA moves forward with upcoming conferences planned in Portland (2026) and Cleveland (2027), the cross-pollination between themed entertainment, immersive technology, and live animal experiences promises continued innovation. This fusion will shape how future audiences learn about, connect with, and ultimately support the planet’s wildlife. For the global community of immersive media professionals and enthusiasts, the evolving zoo and aquarium model offers fertile ground to explore storytelling that is emotionally resonant, ethically grounded, and spectacularly engaging. The AZA’s 2025 Tampa conference thus not only spotlighted industry shifts but also illuminated pathways for shared growth within the fulldome and immersive media landscapes.
Originally reported by Martin Palicki via www.inparkmagazine.com on 2025-12-01 16:55:00.
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