GAIA – Zoo of the Future

With the launch of Zoo of the Future, GAIA aimed to revolutionise the way people observe wild animals. Instead of animals in captivity, the organisation introduced an innovative virtual reality experience that allowed visitors to see animals in their natural habitat – without any animal suffering. The project’s goal was to raise awareness about animal welfare and spark discussion on the role of traditional zoos.

To bring this ambitious vision to life, GAIA needed an experienced event partner who could not only manage the technical and logistical aspects, but also maximise the experience and impact. Runmate was entrusted with shaping and launching this groundbreaking concept.

At Runmate, we believe in creating events that inspire and make an impact. For the Zoo of the Future launch, we used our full expertise to deliver a compelling, educational and innovative event.

1. Event organisation and planning

• Development of a detailed event plan with clear timelines and stakeholder coordination
• Close collaboration with GAIA to ensure clear and consistent messaging
  Management of press moments and coordination of VIP invitations

2. Creation of a virtual reality experience

• Installation of an immersive VR zone where visitors could view wild animals in their natural environment using 3D headsets
• Collaboration with technology experts to deliver a lifelike simulation
• On-site guidance to assist visitors during their first virtual safari

3. Venue and visitor management

• Selection and setup of the venue to ensure optimal visitor flow and experience
• Implementation of flow management strategies to minimise queues
• Creation of an educational area with interactive displays on animal welfare

4. Branding and communication

• Design of event branding to reflect GAIA’s mission and the futuristic theme
• Creation of clear, informative content to support the educational message
• On-site visuals, signage, and digital communications tailored to the experience
• Coordination of press kits and media presence to generate maximum exposure

The Zoo of the Future launch was a resounding success. VIP guests including Prince Laurent and Minister Bernard Clerfayt were among the first to experience this revolutionary concept and highlighted the importance of innovation in animal welfare.

• Hundreds of visitors experienced a cruelty-free zoo for the first time
• Strong media coverage with positive features in national and international press
• Kick-off of a public dialogue about the future of zoos and animal rights

With Zoo of the Future, GAIA and Runmate set a new standard for how we admire and engage with animals. Thanks to its innovative and educational approach, the event not only reached a wide audience but also sparked a fundamental discussion about animal welfare in captivity.

Looking for an event partner who can bring your mission to life? Get in touch with Runmate and discover how we create impact through innovation.