EASTON, Pa. — Curious explorers of all ages will soon be able to take an exotic tour of incredible animals in Easton without ever leaving City Hall, with Holographic Zoo Lehigh Valley set to open this summer.
Harshal and Manpreet Patel joined Mayor Sal Panto Jr. on Thursday to discuss the project, which will encompass 6,000 square feet on the first floor of the building with various holographic displays of wild animals, dinosaurs and more.
The Patels, who reside in Upper Saucon Township, explained the exhibit will allow visitors to walk throughout various sections of the zoo to see and hear animals — and yes, dinosaurs in some instances — acting as they would in the wild.
“What inspired us to open a Hologram Zoo is we have a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife,” Manpreet Patel said.
“We have a 6-year-old son who really enjoys animals, especially lions and wildcats, and he really wants to be able to see them up close. We just haven't been able to go to a safari or have that type of experience yet, but he's very excited about this, as are we. He will be able to see some animals that he may not otherwise see and go to some places that we aren't able to travel to ourselves.”
Patel added the family has a passion for technology, innovation and education, which were also motivating factors for the attraction.
“We feel that this Hologram Zoo is going to help tap into all those spaces. And we are also advocates for cruelty-free companies, products, and services, and the Hologram Zoo speaks to that,” Patel said.
Virtual animals
According to city officials, a few other projects were considered for the space, but the Hologram Zoo won out.
A short promotional video by Axiom Holographics, the Australian company behind the technology for the Hologram Zoo, showed the setup will be just like a real zoo, but with laser light used to create 3D projections of animals.
Visitors simply put on a pair of sleek 3D glasses from Axiom and walk the grounds to enjoy various presentations.
The zoo will feature a Hologram Tunnel, where the animals can project off the wall, and creatures can appear to run around the room.
The technology also simulates depth to make visitors feel as if they really are visiting animals on another continent.
Fenced animal areas will feature surfaces where the creatures are projected from the ground up, and the sky roof section will allow people look up and see giant tigers and other creatures pass overhead.
Tickets will likely cost $32.99, and will come with an arcade credit. Discounted rates for family groups and students from local schools and universities will also be available.
Tourist traffic
According to the promotional video, the setup would include five tunnels, five sky roof rooms, and and 10 fenced animal exhibits.
Shows will include a focus on particular regions like Africa, Asia and Australia, and even one module where visitors can go back in time to visit the dinosaurs.
Each show lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, the Patels said.
At the end of the program, visitors will receive a small cardboard holographic gift, which showcases an animal or dinosaur 3D visual.
As the couple explained, Easton is an ideal location for the Hologram Zoo thanks to ease of accessibility to accommodate visitors from New York and New Jersey, in addition to the city’s vibrant restaurant and mixed residential and commercial community.
“So that means, if you’re going through a Hologram Room, let’s say it’s a rainforest, you’re going to be able to feel the wind, you’re going to be able to smell the fauna, and it will be a very immersive experience."Manpreet Patel
New programming will be added quarterly, in addition to special seasonal content which could include holiday spectacles.
Manpreet Patel said there will be other attractions at the space as well, including a Hologram Room where visitors can see, hear and even smell an exotic location.
“So that means, if you’re going through a Hologram Room, let’s say it’s a rainforest, you’re going to be able to feel the wind, you’re going to be able to smell the fauna, and it will be a very immersive experience,” Patel said.
Visitors can also participate in challenges, such as finding treasure or cleaning up the ocean, using the power of a digital wand.
Summer 2025 target
Furthermore, there will be Hologram Tables which will feature 3D projections of presenters and other programming, along with a rainforest Hologram Stage, which could be featured in the party area.
“You might see a monkey swinging by, or you might see a chameleon stick out its tongue. You might see water falling down from a waterfall, and it's just something nice for people to watch while they're eating, conversing, having a good time,” Patel said.
Other attractions will include a gift shop, an arcade, and a photo studio where visitors can get a digital shot of themselves hanging out with holographic creatures.
Manpreet Patel said the exhibit — which will cost the pair between $800,000 to $900,000 to complete — will be operational by July 2025.
It will be only the second such attraction by Axiom in the United States.
Panto suggested the zoo would make a great addition to other attractions situated in Easton, such as the Crayola Experience, adding children who have grown beyond the appeal of Crayola would be ideal visitors for the zoo.
Time Magazine recognized the Hologram Zoo as one of the Best Inventions of 2023.
