Chester Zoo has launched a new augmented reality game that will transform homes and gardens into a jungle.
The app, Wilderverse, will allow players to experience what it's really like to track apes and carry out conservation challenges from their smartphones.
Players will join a team of wildlife scientists to help them protect the last wild spaces on earth, which are home to critically endangered apes.
Early fans of the game have labelled Wilderverse the “Pokemon Go for wildlife”, only the characters and messages of what’s at stake are real.
In the game, players can complete missions exploring life-size AR jungles, find virtual versions of real apes living in the wild, collect food traces and footprints, and even uncover illegal human activity in the forest.
Charlotte Smith, head of conservation education and engagement at Chester Zoo, said: “We’re always looking for interesting ways to inspire people to join our mission to prevent extinction and become the conservationists of the future.
“That’s why, for the first time, we’re harnessing the increasing popularity of mobile gaming to encourage people to lead more environmentally-conscious lifestyles and promote the conservation of endangered species.
“This brand new app is an incredibly immersive experience that will transport people to tropical rain forests and bring them closer to nature.
“It features real conservation heroes that the zoo works with in the field and the storylines and vital conservation messages within the game have all been shaped by the experiences of real conservationists, like those who work at and with Chester Zoo.
“At a time when many of us are staying at home and are more in need of something new and exciting to occupy our time with than ever before, it’s a fantastic way to have wildlife experiences from the comfort of your own home.”
To create Wilderverse, researchers visited the jungles of Congo and Borneo to see the conservation work taking place and to scout wildlife stars for the game.
Characters in the game, including Fio the orangutan, Aida the chimpanzee, Buka the gorilla and Chilli the gibbon are based on real-life animals.
The app is completely free to play and is available to download via the app store and Google Play.
