GPS Enabled Zoo iPhone Application Launched at Houston Zoo

By Brian Hill

Houston, TX - The Houston Zoo is opening a new dimension in guest services with the launch of a GPS enabled Zoo iPhone application, one of only two zoos in the world, along with the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, to offer such a service. The Houston Zoo’s new free iPhone application displays guests’ location on Zoo grounds using real-time GPS coordinates and allows visitors to access photos and videos of Zoo exhibits and animals and access daily Meet the Keeper Talks and presentations.

“We designed this application with the guest experience foremost in our minds,” said Houston Zoo Director of Interactive Marketing Kelly Russo. “We wanted the application to be a personalized guide for our guests, giving our visitors instant information about all the Zoo has to offer so they can make the most of their visit,” added Russo.

The Houston Zoo’s new free application for the iPhone or iPod Touch features:

A GPS enabled map displaying guest’s locations and a “Friend Finder” feature allowing users to connect with their friends while at the Zoo.
A “Near Me” button lists all the Zoo’s animal exhibits as well as the location of concession stands, food courts and restrooms in proximity to the guest’s location.
The “Today” button features a continually updated list of Meet the Keeper Talks, presentations and activities, allowing guests to create a personalized schedule and identify each item on the list on an interactive map.
The application’s homepage includes a live Twitter stream (twitter.com/houstonzoo).
The “Animals” button provides guests with photos, videos, names and facts about Houston Zoo animals.
The application’s “More” page will keep guests informed with frequently updated Houston Zoo news including parking information, new animals and birth announcements, upcoming special events, guest surveys and the latest video/photo galleries. 

The application, designed in collaboration with the Austin-based Avai Mobile Solutions is available now for free download at the iTunes App Store. Search for “Houston Zoo” to download.

About Avai Mobile Solutions

AVAI is a technology solutions provider that provides custom mobile application strategy, design, and development services as well as a platform for delivering content to mobile phones with native applications and mobile optimized websites. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and has regional offices in Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada.

About the Houston Zoo

Recognized by Parents magazine as one of the Ten Best Zoos for Kids, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving 1.7 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 4,500 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Golf Course Drive in beautiful Hermann Park. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time (last admission at 5 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors, $6 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2. Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $8 and a child Zoo admission for $5. Zoo memberships start at only $55. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit our Web site at www.houstonzoo.org .

Ride METRORail to the Houston Zoo from the Fannin South Park and Ride lot. With frequent service, METRORail is a convenient answer to traffic congestion in the Texas Medical Center/Hermann Park/Museum District corridor. For METRORail information, visit www.ridemetro.org .

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org .

To view Houston Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-727-Houston_Zoo