Zoocade, the first hologram zoo in the US, has opened in Austin, Texas. The innovative attraction is an alternative to traditional zoos.

From software company Axiom Holographics, Zoocade utilises hologram technology to offer a wildlife experience without the need for live animals.

It features a more than 60-foot holographic tunnel through which visitors walk while wearing 3D glasses to view three themed shows – Africa, Australia and dinosaur.

An alternative to traditional zoos

The Africa experience introduces guests to holographic hippos, lions, giraffes and elephants, while the Australia element features koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and snakes.

In the dinosaur section, guests can meet a Brachiosaurus and a T-Rex, among others.

“The hologram zoo is like a tunnel that you circle through, and as you walk through it, the content changes,” Reva Enzminger, who brought the concept to Texas, told the Dallas Morning News.

Zoocade is an alternative to traditional zoos, enabling animal encounters regardless of weather.

“As a mom, I’ve gone to the zoo many times, and the animals don’t come out because it’s hot or cold,” Enzminger said.

Other hologram zoos can be found in Australia, China and Canada, and there are already plans to expand Zoocade in Texas.

“I’m already looking at other tech attractions that I can include in this, and once we get the right formula, we’re going to grow as fast as we can in Texas,” Enzminger said.

Laser light used to project objects

Bruce Dell, chief executive of Axiom Holographics and creator of the hologram zoo, told the BBC in 2023:

“You are projecting an object in the air that appears to be real because as you walk around it you are seeing it from all sorts of different angles.

“So, you use laser light and we project these objects into the air.”

Twycross Zoo in the UK previously offered an exhibition called Projecting Hope featuring holograms of critically-endangered animals to raise awareness.