Heritage Multimedia Limited has designed, developed and installed a diverse range of interactive and audiovisual interpretive exhibits for the new four million pound Realm of the Red Ape exhibition at Chester Zoo.

The exhibits include computer interactives that explore the similarities in physiology and behaviour of humans and Orang-utans; audio soundscapes that recreate the atmosphere of life in the rainforest canopy; and mobile phone based interpretation that enables visitors to find out more about Chester Zoo’s involvement in rescuing Orang-utans in peril.

The exhibits are housed within large wall mounted graphic panels, and are built to withstand the rigours of public display and simulated rainforest conditions. The environment has an ambient temperature of 35 degrees, a humidity level of 80%, direct water sprays and requires displays that can be read in direct sunlight. Heritage Multimedia specified and tested all of the equipment to be used in the exhibition to ensure its suitability, and designed bespoke IP rated enclosures to house the electronic equipment. We also worked closely with the customer’s construction team over the lifetime of the build programme to organise the location and routing of any services required and the final physical installation of the exhibits.

For the exhibition Heritage Multimedia set-up a bespoke mobile phone based service that enables visitors to listen to a number of audio pieces describing the work of the Sumatran Orang-utan Conservation Programme (supported by Chester Zoo) to confiscate illegally held Orang-utans and prepare them for freedom in the forest.