Wild Idea
First holographic zoo in the U.S. without animals opens in Texas
Zoocade, the US's first completely holographic zoo, is now open in Austin.
A completely holographic zoo has opened in Texas: Called Zoocade, it's a zoo experience but without animals that has opened its first location in the U.S. in Austin.
One ofTime Magazine's "Best Inventions of 2023," Zoocade was previously only available in Australia, China, and Canada.
"At the hologram zoo you don’t just see an elephant – you see a herd of elephants that stampedes toward you and then runs through you," says the write-up. "What’s more, it’s a way for the public to see and learn about wildlife that doesn’t involve keeping animals captive."
Guests can put on 3D glasses and peruse Zoocade's 60-foot holographic tunnel, where they'll come face-to-face with hippos, giraffes, and even long-extinct prehistoric animals. Smaller groups of four to five can also experience Zoocade's smaller holographic rooms for a closer look at some of the animals.
Aside from lifelike animal encounters and holographic photos, Zoocade also includes an arcade with more than 30 games, a gift shop, and more.
It's no secret that unless it's a rescue or rehabilitation zoo, most zoos are not doing wildlife any favors. At best they're stressful for animals that need much more space; at worst they're neglectful or cruel.
So, perhaps not only is a holographic zoo a fun family-friendly use of our advancing technology, but it's also a useful one. As long as it doesn't go the way of Ray Bradbury's The Veldt, of course.
Zoocade comes to Austin by way of local entrepreneur Reva Enzminger. As soon as she learned about this award-winning tech, she jumped on a plane to Australia to experience it for herself and was amazed by its capabilities. Since Austin is a growing tech hub, she knew it would be a great fit.
“From the minute I stepped inside the holographic tunnel in Australia and heard the shrieks of joy, I knew Zoocade would be a hit in Austin," Enzminger says in a press release. "Holographic technology and Zoocade is the future of family-friendly entertainment, and I’m thrilled to be the first to offer this in the United States."
Zoocade is located at 11000 Middle Fiskville Rd. #A1, and normal hours are Thursdays from 5-8 pm, Fridays 10 am to 9 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 am to 9 pm. Reservations are available online and range from $25-$65.
