Hologram Zoo open for business

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This article was published 20/11/2024 (504 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new chapter in Brandon’s entertainment landscape has begun with the opening of the Hologram Zoo at 1608 Park Ave., the former site of Just 4 Kidz.

Owner Darcy Willey told the Sun the zoo, which is the first of its kind outside of Australia, combines cutting-edge holographic technology with immersive experiences, bringing a whole new dimension to family entertainment in Brandon — and potentially across North America.

“The attraction is the installation of holographic enclosures, a customized sound system and immersive virtual reality experiences. We officially opened two weeks ago after months of extensive renovations and technical adjustments,” he said in an interview.

“This project, which is worth over $700,000 and still counting, has been a journey. What we have here is the polished, final version of the technology developed in Australia. It’s been quite a process to get it just right, but we’re incredibly excited to share it with the public.”

The Hologram Zoo, he said, features several exciting exhibits, including “Australia” and “Dinosaurs,” with a new “Christmas Experience” set to launch on Friday.

“The Christmas experience is going to be huge. We’ve built it so that there’s a lot of interaction, with Santa’s sleigh, snowball fights, and opportunities for families to make memories,” Willey said.

Visitors, he added, will embark on a 30- to 45-minute journey through holographic tunnels and outdoor enclosures, encountering lifelike virtual animals that seem to move and interact with their surroundings. The immersive experience also includes a green-screen photo booth and the opportunity to take home a “projectogram,” a small holographic souvenir, he explained.

As the “first hologram zoo in North America,” Willey said, the investment has already attracted attention from across the continent, including visitors from as far as Vancouver and Calgary.

“The impact of this new business venture extends beyond just a fun family outing — it is making waves in the entertainment industry as well. The immersive technology has already piqued interest in potential future locations, including international markets like the U.K., Texas, and South Carolina,” he said.

The Hologram Zoo, he added, has already contributed to Brandon’s local economy, employing 10-11 staff members, a number expected to grow as operations expand and a restaurant is fully completed in the next few months.

Willey added the business has garnered “overwhelmingly positive feedback” so far, with visitors praising the immersive nature of the experience.

Some patrons, he said, have commented that the visit feels a bit short, with the current setup being smaller than the original Australian version.

John Jackson, who is responsible for Canadian business development at Axiom Holographics, said choosing Brandon was a strategic decision to change the face of entertainment in Brandon.

“I’d been bringing my kids here for years, watching Darcy constantly innovate and try new things — like introducing fresh attractions,” Jackson said. “So, I saw an opportunity and presented the idea to him. He did his research, crunched the numbers, and it made sense to him. We were the first to introduce this concept in North America.”

Visitors to the Hologram Zoo were equally impressed.

Sydney Dawdy, one of the patrons, shared her excitement.

“I came here with my kids and we all had a great time. It was a lot of fun, and we didn’t have to drive to Winnipeg for a zoo experience,” Dawdy said. “The T-Rex was the coolest part. We’d come back.”

Aggerin Clunas, Dawdy’s daughter, said “It was awesome! I loved the T-Rex. It was my favourite part!” she told the Sun. “For sure! I’d love to come back to see more.”

Willey explained the facility has made several technical improvements, and adjustments, ensuring a “smoother” and more enjoyable visit for all.

“We’ve worked hard to optimize the experience,” Willey said. “The adjustments I’ve made, particularly in sound and flow, have been received well. Every change is aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. It’s all about making sure people leave with a smile.”

Regarding plans for further growth, Willey explained the business is eager to expand offerings and keep the experience fresh for returning visitors.

Upcoming plans include the opening of the kitchen and a full schedule of events, including Christmas parties, he said, “The zoo’s location also gives it an edge in staying ahead of the curve, with access to new content and experiences that larger markets like Vancouver may not yet have.”

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