Summary:
1. The Wildlife Conservation Parade at the Zoo is a fascinating event showcasing larger-than-life puppets representing at-risk species.
2. The parades, operated and performed by the in-house Wilder Bunch, are a fun celebration of conservation and zoo magic.
3. Dean Bareham, Artistic Director and Co-Founder at Green Fools Theatre Society shares insights on how these parades combine entertainment and education to engage visitors of all ages.
In the world of wildlife conservation, initiatives that blend entertainment and education are rare to find. However, the Wildlife Conservation Parade at the Zoo stands as a shining example of how to captivate and inspire visitors while highlighting the plight of endangered species. These larger-than-life puppet parades, brought to life by the in-house Wilder Bunch, offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of at-risk wildlife species. In this article, we delve into the details of these daily conservation parades and hear from Dean Bareham, Artistic Director and Co-Founder at Green Fools Theatre Society, about the magic they bring to the zoo.
1. Larger-Than-Life Puppets: A Spectacle of Conservation
The first thing that strikes visitorsZoo when they witness the Wildlife Conservation Parade is the sheer grandeur and impressive scale of the puppets involved. From the majestic polar bear to the graceful greater sage-grouse, every puppet is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the endangered species it represents. These lifelike puppets tower above visitors, creating an awe-inspiring and educational visual spectacle.
2. The Wilder Bunch: Magic Makers Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes of each parade, the Wilder Bunch works tirelessly to bring the puppets to life. This in-house team of skilled performers combines their theater and wildlife conservation expertise to create an enchanting experience for visitors. By seamlessly operating the puppets and incorporating synchronized movements, the Wilder Bunch transports spectators into a fantastical world where large and small animals become the focal point of an unforgettable performance.
3. Conservation with a Twist: Education in Disguise
One of the greatest challenges in wildlife conservation is engaging the public and fostering an emotional connection to at-risk species. The Wildlife Conservation Parade achieves this by expertly blending entertainment with education. As visitors revel in the magic of the parade, they are subtly exposed to important conservation messages. The puppets’ larger-than-life presence catalyzes curiosity, prompting visitors to seek more information and better understand the challenges these iconic species face.
4. The Visionary Behind the Parades: Dean Bareham
Dean Bareham, Artistic Director and Co-Founder at Green Fools Theatre Society is the visionary behind the Wildlife Conservation Parades. His passion for theater and wildlife conservation seamlessly intertwined, and Bareham shares his thoughts on how these parades bridge the gap between entertainment and education: “We wanted to create an immersive experience that would leave a lasting impact on visitors. By integrating puppetry and conservation themes, we aimed to spark conversations and inspire action.”
5. Delight for All Ages: Conservation Reimagined
The Wildlife Conservation Parades provide entertainment for visitors of all ages. Children marvel at the larger-than-life puppets, which spark their imaginations and foster a love for wildlife. On the other hand, adults appreciate the conservation messages woven into the parade, leaving them with a profound admiration for the zoo’s efforts. By engaging and educating a diverse audience, the parades become a catalyst for chanZoo’s inspire individuals to contribute towards wildlife conservation.
Conclusion:
The Wildlife Conservation Parade at the Zoo is a powerful example of how entertainment can be combined with education to inspire a love for wildlife and conservation. From the incredible puppets to the passion and dedication of the Wilder Bunch, every aspect of these parades showcases the magic that lies within the world of wildlife conservation. By engaging visitors of all ages, the parades entertain and educate, offering a unique opportunity to learn about and protect endangered species. So, next time you find yourself at the zoo, catch the daily conservation parade and experience the enchantment that lies within ****
Source Description
Our daily conservation parades, brought to you by our friends at Green Fools Theatre Society, feature larger-than-life puppets depicting some of the iconic at-risk species that the zoo is working to protect – including a polar bear, greater sage-grouse, whooping crane, and burrowZoo owl! Operated and performed by our in-house Wilder Bunch, these parades kick off at 11:00 a.m. each day – and are a fun celebration of conservation and zoo magic.
Hear from Dean Bareham, Artistic Director and Co-Founder at Green Fools, how these one-of-a-kind parades fuse entertainment and education while delighting visitors of all ages.
Conservation parades run daily at 11:00 a.m. until September 5, 2023.
