Chester Zoo Has Launched Its Own Gaming App

If you thought you were hooked to Sims 4, just wait until you try Chester Zoo's new mobile gaming app.

'Wilderverse' will transform your world into a vast jungle, where you'll have the opportunity to become a conservationist, teaming up with leading scientists to protect real apes living in Congo and Borneo.

Dubbed the 'Pokemon Go for wildlife' once you've signed up for the app, your home will immediately be transformed into a wild jungle where it'll be your job to track orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas.

There'll be plenty of conservation challenges - which you'll have to solve, in order to protect the endangered animals.

The virtual jungle game is based on real apes living in the wild and the heroes taking care of them every day. While making the game, experts tracked several families of apes before selecting four to star in the virtual reality.

The apes in the game are based on Fio the orangutan, Aida the chimpanzee, Buka the gorilla and Chilli the gibbon.

Through augmented reality, conservationists hope the game will raise awareness, encourage people to make more environmentally-friendly choices and build a connection between people and animals.

Chester Zoo)

It's been created by Internet of Elephants, a Kenyan game company who have collaborated with conservation organisations Borneo Nature Foundation, Goualougo Triangle Ape Foundation and Zoo Atlanta for the project.

Founder of Internet of Elephants, Gautam Shah said: "Ape populations are being decimated across the world. Conservationists on the ground are fighting an uphill battle with the support of only a handful of people.

"To make this game, our team travelled to the jungles of Congo and Borneo to witness the conservation work that is taking place and to scout wildlife stars for the game. After days of tracking several families of apes, Fio the orangutan, Aida the chimpanzee, Buka the gorilla, and Chilli the gibbon were selected for their compelling life stories and quirky personalities.

"We're on a mission to turn the two billion people playing games today, into wildlife lovers and supporters of conservation efforts."

Chester Zoo)

Meanwhile, Charlotte Smith, Head of Conservation Education and engagement at Chester Zoo explained now is the perfect time to try the game, while isolating at home.

"We're always looking for interesting ways to inspire people to join our mission to prevent extinction and become the conservationists of the future," she said.

"[...] This brand new app is an incredibly immersive experience that will transport people to tropical rainforests and bring them closer to nature. It features real conservation heroes that the zoo works with in the field and the storylines and vital conservation messages within the game have all been shaped by the experiences of real conservationists, like those who work at and with Chester Zoo."

The free app is available to download from the App Store or Google Play. Looks like we can wave goodbye to a few hours of our evenings tonight. See you in the jungle!

Topics: GAMING, Life News, Chester Zoo, Animals

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine