Discover polar bears with augmented reality at the Aquarium de Québec
L'Aquarium de Québecoffers a unique immersive experience: discover a family of polar bears in their den, and understand the impact of global warming on polar bear habitat through augmented reality. Thanks to a web application developed by OHRIZON, visitors can view cubs and their mother directly from their smartphone or tablet. This fun and educational experience is accessible to all, especially children and their families. This augmented reality experience completes the bear encloture at the Quebec Aquarium.
The two augmented reality experiences at the aquarium
The application offers two mini interactive experiences:
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The first features a mother bear nursing her two newly emerged cubs. With this augmented reality experience, visitors are encouraged to take a photo of themselves next to the bear family, while learning more about reproduction, nursing and the den.
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The second is a 360° experience that allows visitors to observe changes in the polar bear's habitat. Positioned in front of the bear enclosure, visitors can change the habitat by activating the thermometer on their screen.
Cubs and their den in augmented reality at the aquarium
In a zoo, it's almost impossible to see a bear's den, let alone all year round! That's where augmented reality comes in.
A polar bear den is generally a cavity dug into the snow or ice, or sometimes located in rocky areas. These dens serve as a refuge for polar bears during the winter season, when temperatures are extremely cold in the Arctic.
For the first few months of their lives, cubs feed exclusively on their mother's milk. The mother bear nurses them to help them put on weight quickly and survive the extremely cold conditions of the Arctic. The den offers essential protection against the elements and potential predators. The mother bear watches over her cubs, keeping them warm and safe as she feeds them.
The polar bear den and the maternal behavior that takes place there are essential to the survival of this emblematic Arctic species in an extreme and changing environment.
The impact of global warming on polar bear habitat
Of particular interest is the experiment on the evolution of polar bear habitat according to global warming scenarios. Thanks to an augmented reality model, visitors can observe the melting of the ice in four different states. Users can then access a projection of the potential evolution of polar bear habitat a century from now, in winter, according to three scenarios selected by the IPCC.
Since polar bears feed on seals, melting ice can make seal hunting difficult for this large predator. The absence of ice removes any resting place for seals - and any chance for the bear to catch them!
The web app for augmented reality at the aquarium
The web experiences developed by OHRIZON offer a fluid, intuitive experience. Compatible with the latest iOS and Android smartphones, it works via wifi and/or 4G internet streaming. The app's user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate between different augmented reality experiences. Virtual elements are perfectly integrated into the real environment, offering an immersive and captivating experience.
The application can be accessed via the mediaguide of the Aquarium de Québec. Visitors can consult the web app on their smartphone or use the tablets provided by the aquarium. Once the web app has been launched, simply point your smartphone or tablet at the indicated zones to see polar bears and other animals from the ice floe come to life before your very eyes.
It's important to note that, since these experiments can be viewed outdoors, they are designed to be simple to understand and short-lived. We have also taken climatic conditions into account, as temperatures below -10°C can make the use of smartphones and tablets impractical for the public. That's why particular emphasis has been placed on making these experiences easy to use.
Understanding polar bears and their habitat with augmented reality
Through this augmented reality experience, the Aquarium de Québec aims to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving polar bear habitat. This initiative aims to combine fun and information by exploring themes directly linked to polar bears, such as climate, the Arctic Ocean and their habitat. In this way, by better understanding the challenges of global warming and the impact on the pack ice, visitors are invited to reflect on their own responsibility in preserving our environment.
The Aquarium de Québec is proud to offer this unique experience, enabling visitors to interact with polar bears and better understand the threats to their habitat. Thanks to augmented reality, young and old alike can enjoy an immersive, educational and entertaining experience.
Don't miss this opportunity to discover bears in augmented reality at the Aquarium de Québec!