Summer of AR
Four outstanding examples of cultural institutions putting augmented reality to work.
Every zoo visit is different. One family is racing to see the lions before nap time; another visitor has a whole afternoon and a soft spot for birds. Our new zoo app is built for all of them—a personal guide in every visitor’s pocket that helps people find their way, discover hidden gems, and learn more about their favorite animals.
The app combines blue-dot navigation with practical planning tools and an AI-powered docent, so visitors get a clear, engaging experience from the moment they arrive. Here’s a look at what it does—and you can always see more of our work at Guru Experience.
No two zoo trips are the same. Whether visitors arrive with kids eager to see the lions, a passion for birds, or just a quick afternoon to make the most of, the built-in itinerary builder lets them select the attractions they want to see, and the app instantly generates an optimized walking route—saving time while making sure nothing gets missed.
No more unfolding a paper map or wandering in circles. With blue-dot navigation, visitors always know where they are—the same approach we take to wayfinding across the institutions we work with. Even better, the map can be filtered to show only what’s needed:
That flexibility makes a visit less stressful and more enjoyable, especially for families or groups juggling different interests.
The new Zoo App is more than a map. It’s a guide, a teacher, and a concierge—making every visit personal, easy, and unforgettable.
The feature we get asked about most is the AI docent—a real-time digital companion that can answer questions as visitors explore. Curious what a giraffe eats, or how long elephants live? Just ask. The answers come from a curated and contained knowledge base, meaning everything is accurate, trustworthy, and approved by the institution.
The docent can even be customized as a zoo mascot, giving a playful and friendly voice to the visit. Kids and adults alike enjoy the interaction, and it makes learning fun and memorable.
For zoos, the app isn’t just about wayfinding—it’s a way to connect visitors more deeply with exhibits, share educational content, and highlight conservation stories. The technology is there to deepen the connection between visitors and the animals in front of them, while your team keeps control over the accuracy of the information.
Curious about what Guru can do for your zoo, garden, or aquarium? We’d love to chat—schedule a call with us, or read more at GuruExperience.co.
Behind the scenes of how we turn museum stories into interactive, accessible experiences - plus what we’re learning along the way
