The charity behind the region’s three top zoos has launched a new website with a new look and a radical new approach. Wild Planet Trust is the new name for the charity that runs Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall.
The charity’s new website places a strong emphasis on highlighting the conservation and research work of the zoos.
Trust spokesperson Phil Knowling said:
“Our new website leads on our science and conservation work. This is the most important thing we do, and we wanted to make that clear. The site has a strong look and is easy to get around. Each zoo still has its own website, where you can find information on opening times, tickets and things to do and see.”
The new site is broken down into four main sections – Wild Conservation, Wild Campaigns, Wild Learning and Wild Science. Wild Conservation focusses on the different areas of Trust work, combining species and habitat conservation with related campaigns. The areas of work are Wild Coasts, Wild Forests, Wild Hills, Wild Futures and Wild at Home.
Wild Campaigns details the charity’s advocacy work on plastics, palm oil, fish, Marine Conservation Zones and carbon footprints. Under Wild Learning is listed the Primary, Secondary, Further Education, Undergraduate and Postgraduate opportunities offered. The Wild Science section provides information on research projects, placement opportunities and visiting researchers.
The experts behind the project are Bigwave media, a local marketing, design and digital agency. The company is delighted to have been involved in the creation of the exciting new brand and website for Wild Planet Trust.
Simon Beer, Digital Director – Bigwave media said:
“We worked for over 12 months to deliver the exciting new brand for Wild Planet Trust and the website. The Trust’s requirements were for an engaging website to fully explain the amazing conservation work they carry out in the UK and overseas, all the things that go on in their three South West zoos, as well as to increase support and donations for the charity.
“Our digital team worked closely with the client and carefully listened to their feedback – this allowed us to evolve the project, addressing any issues or changing requirements as they arose. It’s been a great experience and we feel the results speak for themselves.”
The adoption of the new name is the first step in a major rebranding exercise. There’s a new logo for the Trust and for each of the three zoos, plus a coordinated new look for the three individual zoo websites.
Everything from online ticketing, social media, e-mails and e-newsletters, stationery, promotional leaflets, staff and volunteer uniforms, ID badges and the look of the corporate supporters’ club will change. In addition, there’s a new dedicated YouTube channel. Another huge job is to change and update all the signage in all the zoos. This is expected to be phased in over the coming months.