This research concerning the experience and future of zoos was carried out from 2011-2012 and takes regional ideas concerning Zoo Emmen as well as global visions into account. The research focuses partly on Zoo Emmen, its present attractions and visitors while also comparing and contrasting visions on the future in relationship to other international zoos in the world. In this way, remarkable experiences and ideas will be identified and in the light of them, it can serve as inspiration for stakeholders of zoos at large.

The main research subject is a look at the future zoos in view of:

The Zoo Experience – an international experience benchmark;

The Zoo of the Future – a Scenario Planning approach towards the future;

The virtual zoo - zoo’s in the internet domain.