Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium App is a location-based mobile experience developed by Schell Games in partnership with the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Designed to engage the "smartphone generation," the app uses a visitor’s location within the park to trigger context-specific content and interactive games. Rather than just providing a digital map, the app features "discovery-based" gameplay where families can unlock facts, participate in conservation-themed challenges, and "collect" animals as they walk through different exhibits. By blending physical exploration with digital rewards, the project aims to deepen the connection between guests and wildlife while encouraging pro-environmental behaviors.

• Schell Games
• Richard King Mellon Foundation
• Location-based services (GPS/Bluetooth)
• interactive mobile UI
• Collection systems
• conservation challenges
• discovery-based learning

How does the app know where I am in the zoo?

The app uses location-aware technology (such as GPS and potentially Bluetooth beacons) to detect when you are near a specific exhibit. When you reach the tiger enclosure or the shark tank, for example, the app "pings" your phone to offer a specific challenge or an exclusive piece of video content about those animals.

Is it just a digital version of the signs at the zoo?

No. While it contains facts, the focus is on interactive engagement. For example, instead of just reading about an animal's diet, the app might ask you to play a quick mini-game to "feed" the animal the correct nutrients, helping visitors retain information through active participation rather than passive reading.

What is the "Collection" mechanic?

To keep children engaged throughout the entire park, the app features a collection system. As you visit different areas, you "check-in" to earn digital badges or virtual animals. This gamifies the walking experience, encouraging families to visit less-populated areas of the zoo to "complete their set."

Does the app promote conservation?

Yes. A primary goal of the project was to increase awareness of the zoo's conservation efforts. The app includes "Calls to Action," showing guests how they can help protect endangered species in the wild, often linking the animals they see in person to real-world environmental initiatives funded by the zoo.

How does this help the Zoo as an organization?

Beyond education, the app provides the zoo with visitor analytics. By seeing which exhibits guests visit most and how long they stay, the zoo can better understand visitor flow and interests, allowing them to optimize the park layout and educational programming.