Germany: Newly Designed Adventure Playground to Complete New “Polarium” Area at Zoo Rostock
Norwegian zoologist and polar researcher Fridtjof Nansen was probably one of the first scientists to experience seals and polar bears in their natural environment in the “high north”: in 1888, Jansen was the first polar researcher to cross Greenland’s ice sheet. During an expedition from 1893 through 1896, he came as close to the North Pole as probably no other man before him – at that time his vessel, the FRAM, also achieved great fame. In the future, this legendary sailing ship will serve as inspiration for the creation of the center attraction of a new adventure playground in front of the new “Polarium” polar bear and penguin enclosure currently under construction at Zoo Rostock (cf. EAP News from March 20th, 2015 & June 22nd, 2016).
The adventure playground will invite kids to a trip to the North Pole, featuring interactive functions: At a “listening station”, kids can generate the necessary power on their own while they are told exciting stories about the expedition ship. Also, young adventurers can reach a three-master via a rope ladder and a fixed bridge that enables them to switch between the bow and the stern. There will be some “lounging nets” which can be used like hammocks. The middle part of the ship will receive a tent cover and seating facilities. A lifeboat and an anchor application will complete the immersive design. If the FRAM is in distress at sea, the little sailors can quickly leave via a slide. Of course, there will also be a movable steering wheel and telescopes to observe the surroundings and to look for polar bears.
In addition, a number of polar-typical experience stations such as a walkable igloo or ice floes on springs can be encountered around the ship. Several information panels will provide interesting facts on topics related to the North Pole. The adventure playground will be designed and realised by Germany’s Spielart Laucha, the financing of the project is secured by a sponsorship of ScanHaus Marlow GmbH. The young zoo visitors can discover the new play landscape already this spring, in due time for the scheduled opening of the new Polarium enclosure (designed by dan pearlman). (eap)
