Chattanooga Zoo powers up for Pokémon Go Days.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
Bobcats, chimpanzees, spiders and kinkajous — say hello to Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Pikachu.
Chattanooga Zoo’s animal kingdom will merge into augmented reality this weekend as Chattanooga Zoo powers up Pokémon Go Days at the Zoo. Players who show their Pokémon Go app at the gate will get $1 off admission so they may search for virtual creatures that appear on their smartphones as they wander the 14-acre site.
The zoo is currently home to six pokéstops, one gym and countless Pokémon to catch. New lures will be developed before this weekend.
CEO and President Dardenelle Long says zoo workers are excited to be part of the Pokémon Go craze, though guests will be expected to follow all rules and regulations and not enter restricted areas no matter where they may find Pokémon.
Pokémon Go players have made headlines for their absentminded pursuits of characters. Players often are so focused on the virtual maps that appear on their phone screens that they have risked their health and safety and drawn criticism for heedless forays into hallowed places.
“We want our zoo guests to have fun catching all the Pokémon they can find at the zoo, stay safe in public viewing areas and take time to appreciate the zoo’s real animals,” Long says.
In addition to the admission discount, the zoo will award a grand prize of a family membership for the most unique photo from Pokémon Go Days shared on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) using the hashtag #ChattZoo PokemonGO.
The zoo also will feature Pokémon-inspired animal enrichment activities throughout the day. A schedule will be available for guests upon arrival.
Long says no refunds will be given in the event that a mobile device fails or the Pokémon Go servers are down. In other words: There’s a real world out there, too.