Thermal Art Show Arriving At Paignton Zoo

By Philip Knowling

Paignton, UK - Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is launching a unique art exhibition that brings together wildlife conservation and military hardware.

Nature in a Different Light is thought to be the first art exhibition of its kind. The display matches up conventional photographs of Zoo animals with thermal images of the same species.

It is the result of a unique collaboration between Paignton Zoo and Dr Chris Lavers, Head of Sensors and Telecommunications, Plymouth University at Britannia Royal Naval College. 

Dr. Lavers first worked with Paignton Zoo in 2002, initially approaching Dr Amy Plowman, the Head of Science. They looked into the possibilities of adapting military thermal and image intensifier (night sight) technology for wildlife applications.

Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “It’s a real swords into ploughshares project. The images can be strikingly different – the thermal image of a rhino has no horns, for example. Seeing in heat gives you a unique view of nature - quite literally in a different light.”

The thermal images – which can resemble abstract Impressionist paintings - were taken using the latest generation of thermal cameras which are even more advanced than those previously used for identifying and observing vessels at sea.

The conventional photographs have been taken by Ray Wiltshire, an annual member of Paignton Zoo and a dedicated amateur photographer. Ray – and his wife Jean – often spend all day at Paignton Zoo or Living Coasts in search of that one perfect shot. Their pictures have been seen in local and national newspapers and have been used by the Zoo in its promotional materials.

Phil Knowling: “There is potential for this to go even further. Our vet team could use thermal cameras for non-invasive examinations of animals and conservationists in the field could use them to search for rare and elusive species in thick forest.”

The exhibition, located in the Zoo’s entrance hall, is free to view and will be open from 10:00am to 5.00pm. Living Coasts will host the exhibition for two weeks in early October. It’s hoped that it will then go on the road to schools and museums.

For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.