THE BRIEF

Zoos Victoria is a leader in frog conservation, particularly for the critically endangered Spotted Tree Frog and Southern Corroboree Frog. This critical and fascinating work happens behind the scenes at the World of Frogs enclosure at Melbourne Zoo. However due to the hidden nature of this work - and the shy nature of the animals themselves - the enclosure fails to attract the same number of visitors as other animal enclosures at the Zoo.  

Audiocraft was tasked with designing an audio tour that would draw adult visitors to the enclosure, using storytelling and immersive sound design to build connection to these endangered species, as well as inspire action to support the conservation work happening behind the scenes.

WHAT WE DID

Audiocraft’s experience in bringing unseen worlds to life in audio was critical to the success of this project design. Zoos are multi-sensory spaces, where visitors are able to listen to and observe rare and interesting animals and birds that generally do not exist in their day-to-day world. However frogs prefer to hide, and only make noise during the mating season. 

To meet this challenge, Audiocraft worked closely with the conservation team to write the scripts - using their knowledge to draw out the character and stories of these fragile creatures - as well as the incredible ways the Zoos team have developed to find, breed and re-release them back into the wild. The sound designer then sourced rare audio of the most endangered species, bringing their voices - and the sound of their natural environments - to life in rich, immersive sound design. 

When visitors now visit the space, they will come away feeling that they truly have visited the World of Frogs.

CREDITS

Client: Zoos Victoria

Producer: Olivia O’Flynn

Sound Design/Engineer: Laura Brierley Newton

Zoos Victoria Team: Robbie Russo and Georgia Garrard

Executive Producer and Product Lead: Lorna Clarkson