Immotion, a global leader in immersive edutainment, has debuted its latest virtual reality experience, Dolphins of the Reef, at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Mid-Year Meeting, which is taking place from 24 – 29 March in Palm Springs, California.
Utilising motion-based virtual reality, Dolphins of the Reef transports viewers in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea to view vibrant coral reefs and pods of bottlenose dolphins.
Rod Findley, CEO of Immotion, says:
“As our film crew explored the reefs with Dr. Shireen Rahimi, we noticed the pod of bottlenose dolphins exhibiting a curious behavior: rubbing their skin on the coral. We realized our film needed to capture this intriguing dynamic, so we brought in Dr. Angela Ziltener to help us follow and understand the unique relationship between bottlenose dolphins and coral.”
Viewers can observe this dolphin pod manoeuvring through the reef, engaging in complex social behaviours, and relying on the coral for sustenance. Unfortunately, coral reefs worldwide face severe challenges. Since 1950, rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and climate change have decimated over half of the global coral reefs, jeopardising a critical component of the dolphins’ habitat.
“This reef devastation disrupts the ecosystems for many species, including the bottlenose dolphin. By shedding light on this urgent issue, Dolphins of the Reef underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these essential marine environments,” adds Findley. “By immersing viewers in the dolphins’ world, Immotion hopes to inspire real-world action to protect these delicate ecosystems.”
Immersive edutainment
Led by Immotion’s Emmy Award-winning creative team, filming Dolphins of the Reef was an ambitious undertaking. Using advanced VR camera technology, the crew dedicated weeks to documenting the behaviours of a pod of 25 dolphins, capturing remarkable underwater moments.
This project was a collaboration with renowned marine biologist Dr. Ziltener, who contributed scientific insights on dolphin behaviour and the wider consequences of coral reef degradation.
“Filming Dolphins of the Reef offered an unprecedented look at how bottlenose dolphins interact with coral reef environments,” says Immotion’s VP of content, Ken Musen. “This is a unique opportunity for audiences to understand the dolphins’ fascinating relationship with coral reefs through their very own eyes.”
Reimagining conservation education
In line with Immotion’s dedication to conservation education, Dolphins of the Reef reflects the company’s goal to inspire, educate, and prompt real-world action. With installations in over 120 locations worldwide, Immotion enhances visitor engagement by providing immersive attractions to aquariums, zoos, museums, and science centres while generating crucial revenue to support conservation initiatives.
Immotion has previously captivated audiences with innovative experiences like Shark Dive, where viewers come face-to-face with some of the ocean’s fiercest predators, and Gorilla Trek, which provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of endangered mountain gorillas.
The company leads in immersive storytelling, combining advanced technology with engaging narratives to educate and inspire global audiences. After its debut at the AZA Mid-Year Meeting, Dolphins of the Reef will soon be available to Immotion partners worldwide.
See also: Immotion: where VR entertainment meets conservation education
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