Pokémon Masters and Zoo Keepers

Pokémon Go has taken the world by storm and the Denver Zoo has decided to take advantage of the new app craze. Friday July 20- Sunday July 22 the Denver Zoo is offering a $5 discount on admission to any guest that shows they have the Pokémon Go app. This offer is from 1pm until close each of these days. The original post was made on their Facebook and Twitter pages and both used the platforms very well. On Facebook Denver Zoo made use of the event function where fans could R.S.V.P. to the event. This allows the zoo to see their reach and plan accordingly for the events. On Twitter they took advantage of the platforms’ ability to connect with other sites and linked to an event page. The discount is only offered per device shown.

            The Denver Zoo purchased $380 worth of lures to help attract Pokémon for the event. There are also several PokeStops throughout the park which give players a variety of items such as poke balls, eggs, berries, and battle items.  If players of the game are looking to battle, there is a gym on the property. The zoo is encouraging players to share their experiences on various social media using the hashtag #PokemonGoDZ. The zoo hopes that players take time to appreciate the real animals that are in the zoo as they play the game. The Denver Zoo also made a statement clarifying that app users are still not allowed in restricted areas, regardless of where the Pokémon are hiding.

            With the growing popularity, many theme parks and museums are take advantage of the app. There are, however, some downside and problems that are arising. In theme parks like Universal Studios and Disney World, guests are sneaking backstage into restricted areas to catch Pokémon causing many problems. Lego land in Florida has already posted rules and guidelines for fans hunting Pokémon in their park. One of these rules are to keep out of restricted areas and try not to bump into people. Because the app uses public spaces, it has created huge opportunities for businesses. Any business with a PokeStop or a Pokémon Gym are guaranteed an increase in foot traffic and some restaurants are asking how they can become a PokeStop.  Where there are tremendous opportunities, there could be serious risks with urging players to use the app in a park. It is unclear if this campaign will be successful or not. It has the potential to bring in many guests. But the app users could cause many problems for the Denver Zoo. If any users choose to ignore the warnings of the zoo and enter restricted areas, it could create and very dangerous situation. It will be interesting to see how the weekend goes.

Original story: http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/21/denver-zoo-pokemon-go-discount/

Facebook page: Denver Zoo

Twitter: @DenverZoo

-       Elizabeth B.