National Parks takes award winning WilderQuest Program to Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Media release: 16 April 2014

A new resident has moved into Taronga Western Plains Zoo these school holidays but it’s not another four legged friend.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has brought the award winning WilderQuest program to the zoo so that kids can try out the amazing app and learn all about Australia’s native animals and landscapes.

NPWS Acting Manager Visitor Experience Matt Colahan said the fun, free, family activity is on offer at the Zoo Friends building near the zoo circuit entrance.

“We designed WilderQuest to inspire kids to love and care for nature. Its aim is to motivate and encourage children to learn about and experience the natural world, using a combination of digital and real-life encounters.

“The WilderQuest program includes a website www.wilderquest.nsw.gov.au where children are able to explore different natural environments. They can play games and learn about NSW flora and fauna in a fun and interactive way.

“The interactive stand at the zoo has three online stations where children can create their own account and experience WilderQuest for themselves.

“NPWS has also built an iPad app version of the online portal which is available for free download from the iPad App Store and we have iPads on hand at the zoo to enable the kids to experience WilderQuest in this way as well.

“The WilderQuest interactive display will be at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo until 27 April. Staff will be on hand to help you get the most of the experience and we would love to see everyone come along and try it out,” Mr Colahan said.
In its brief two year history, WilderQuest has attracted plenty of attention. It was ranked number one iPad app on release, in the iTunes AppStore and has won nine industry awards including Australian Digital Industry Awards – Best of the Best; Best Children’s; Best Learning & Education; Best Travel or Tourism; Best Mobile Application for Tablet.
If you can’t get to the zoo, you can still get involved at www.wilderquest.nsw.gov.au  Download the WilderQuest app for free from the App Store on iPad, or at www.itunes.com/appstore  

 

Contact: Jacki Roberts