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Idea Jam 7 - Wild Things

Updated: Nov 29, 2024

Season 1 - Idea Jam 7

Spotlight Business: Wild Things https://wildthingsattractions.weebly.com/


CLICKABLE CHAPTERS:




 

Event Pictures




 

Event Deck




 

Problem Statement 

Wild Things is looking to transition from a traditional zoo-like concept to an innovative, educational, community-focused destination with sustainable income generation opportunities. The challenge is to create a unique wildlife experience that balances conservation, education, and entertainment while ensuring financial viability.

Summary

The brainstorming session for Wild Things focused on two main topics: 

  1. Developing innovative messaging to communicate the shift from a zoo-like concept to an educational community focus with income generation opportunities 

  2. Finding the optimal balance of amenities for a rustic island location to create a unique and viable destination experience. 


Participants generated ideas ranging from rebranding strategies and educational programs to accommodation options and technology integration. The session emphasized creating intimate wildlife encounters, leveraging the island setting, and balancing conservation efforts with visitor engagement. Key themes included developing tiered experiences, partnering with educational institutions, and implementing sustainable practices. The diverse ideas aim to transform Wild Things into a distinctive eco-education destination that offers immersive experiences while ensuring financial viability and community involvement.



 

Innovate MN - AI Analysis


TOPIC 1: Communicating Services Develop innovative messaging to communicate the shift from a zoo-like concept to an educational community focus with income generation opportunities: What would motivate you/others to go there? 


To develop innovative messaging that communicates the shift from a zoo-like concept to an educational community focus with income generation opportunities, we should consider the following points (brainstorming points in quotes) from the brainstorming session:


  1. Avoid using the word "zoo" - Instead, use terms like "wildlife park" or "nature experience."

  2. Emphasize intimacy and unique experiences - "Zoos don't have that 'touch'"

  3. Focus on education and adventure - "Adventure + Education"

  4. Highlight the island setting - "Why the island?" and "The driver of the story + plot → why is this on an island?"

  5. Promote interaction with animals - "up-close encounter" and "integration with an animal"

  6. Stress environmental and conservation aspects - "ENVIRONMENTAL ECOSYSTEM"


Motivational factors for visitors:

  1. Unique experiences - "We got engaged at Wild Things"

  2. Educational opportunities - "Life Science students College Level?? Magnet schools? Biology students?"

  3. Intimate animal encounters - "Maintain petting or up-close encounter"

  4. Adventure and outdoor activities - "KAYAK SAFARI," "Walking Safari"

  5. Exclusive and status-driven experiences - "Consumers want status & affiliation"

  6. Family-friendly activities - "SUMMER CAMP STYLE PROGRAMS"


 

TOPIC 2: Services and Amenities What is the optimal balance of (essential and optional) amenities for the rustic island location to create a unique and viable destination experience, considering: Accessibility, Logistics, and Customer Expectations.


To determine the optimal balance of essential and optional amenities for the rustic island location, we need to consider accessibility, logistics, and customer expectations:


Essential amenities:

  1. Transportation - "Boat entry", "Ferry house on shore"

  2. Basic infrastructure - "BATHROOMS", "Plumbing (SHOWERS)"

  3. Food and drink options - "Food - pizza, Small / local sustainable food", "SNACKS", "DRINKS"

  4. Safety measures - "SAFETY"

  5. Visitor center - "Visitor Center (not necessarily a building, but a covered pavilion)"

  6. Accessible trails - "Accessible trail for families + older folks"


Optional amenities:

  1. Accommodation options - "TREEHOUSE CABINS", "GLAMPING WEEKENDS", "Basic campsites"

  2. Educational facilities - "outdoor classroom space"

  3. Gift shop - "Sell merchandise - food - souvenirs (animals) Plush toys"

  4. Special experiences - "OVERNIGHT WEEKEND EXPERIENCE", "Safari-like experience but with golf cart"

  5. Technology integration - "ADD/MAC CAMERAS "EAGLE CAM" + WEBCAM TRAPS", "Live YouTube Feed"


Accessibility and Logistics Considerations:

  1. Limited daily reservations - "Daily Reservations • Limited spots • Leave for walk-ons"

  2. Driving range - "1.5h - TC metro area St. Cloud, Owatonna & over to western WI"

  3. Boat transportation - "ENTRANCE (1) PARKING LOT + BOAT (2) ARRIVAL DOCK"

  4. Seasonal adaptations - "What about winter? Ski/snowshoe trails"


Customer Expectations:

  1. Unique and intimate experiences - "Positioning = Intimacy"

  2. Educational value - "take this topic to a group of MBA students! It's a great case study"

  3. Family-friendly environment - "Sounds like a great school field trip! BUT I'm guessing you want to make it more family?"

  4. Environmentally conscious - "transition to restored plants native"

  5. Flexibility in experience options - "SELF-GUIDED VS. GUIDED TOURS"


 

Holistic Themes, Recommendations, and Roadmap


Holistic Themes:

  1. Immersive Nature Experience: Focus on creating an intimate, educational, and adventure-driven wildlife experience that differentiates Wild Things from traditional zoos.

  2. Educational Ecosystem: Position Wild Things as a living classroom for all ages, emphasizing conservation, environmental science, and hands-on learning.

  3. Island Adventure: Leverage the unique island setting to create visitors' sense of escape and discovery.

  4. Sustainable Tourism: Develop a model that balances ecological preservation with visitor engagement and economic viability.

  5. Community Connection: Partner with local organizations, schools, and conservation groups to create a sense of shared ownership and ongoing engagement.


 

Recommendations as the owner of Wild Things:

  1. Rebrand as an eco-education destination: Move away from the zoo concept and position Wild Things as an immersive nature and learning experience.

  2. Develop a tiered visitation model: Offer various experience levels, from day trips to overnight stays, catering to different interests and budgets.

  3. Create a robust educational program: Partner with schools, universities, and wildlife experts to develop curriculum-aligned programs and research opportunities.

  4. Implement sustainable practices: Prioritize eco-friendly operations, from energy use to waste management, making sustainability a core part of the Wild Things experience.

  5. Invest in technology: Use webcams, apps, and interactive displays to enhance the visitor experience and extend engagement beyond the physical visit.

  6. Cultivate partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, conservation organizations, and tourism boards to increase visibility and create mutually beneficial opportunities.


 

Roadmap for achievable (business value returned) vs. long-term, personal time-constrained ideas:


Achievable Short-term Ideas (0-12 months):


  1. Rebrand marketing materials and website to reflect the new eco-education focus

  2. Develop and launch basic educational programs for schools and families

  3. Implement a reservation system with limited daily spots to manage capacity

  4. Create essential amenities: improve bathrooms, set up basic food and drink options

  5. Start a social media campaign showcasing unique animal encounters and educational moments

  6. Partner with local tour operators and hotels to create package deals


Medium-term Ideas (1-3 years):


  1. Construct a visitor center with interactive educational displays

  2. Develop a mobile app for self-guided tours and animal tracking

  3. Introduce glamping options for overnight stays

  4. Launch a citizen science program for visitors to contribute to ongoing research

  5. Create a "Junior Naturalist" program for children

  6. Establish partnerships with universities for research projects


Long-term, Personal Time-Constrained Ideas (3+ years):


  1. Build eco-friendly treehouse cabins for premium overnight experiences

  2. Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan, including renewable energy sources

  3. Create a wildlife rehabilitation center

  4. Establish an international conservation partnership program

  5. Develop a Wild Things conservation area on the mainland to extend the brand and mission

  6. Launch a Wild Things Foundation to fund ongoing research and conservation efforts


 

Potential Money-Making Opportunities


Admission Fees Strategy:

Tiered pricing structure based on experience levels 


Tactics:

  • Basic admission: Day pass for general access

  • Premium admission: Includes guided tours or memorable animal encounters

  • Annual memberships: Offering unlimited visits and member perks

Pricing model:

  • Basic: $25 adults, $15 children

  • Premium: $40 adults, $25 children

  • Annual membership: $100 individual, $250 family

Implementation:

  • Online booking system with capacity management

  • QR code-based ticketing for easy entry

  • Membership cards with RFID technology for quick access and data collection


 

Educational Programs Strategy: 

Develop curriculum-aligned programs for various educational levels 


Tactics:

  • School field trips with tailored programs

  • Summer camps and workshops

  • Adult learning courses (e.g., wildlife photography, conservation)

Pricing model:

  • School programs: $15 per student (minimum 20 students)

  • Summer camps: $300 per week

  • Adult workshops: $75 for half-day, $150 for full-day

Implementation:

  • Partner with local school districts

  • Create a dedicated education team

  • Develop online resources to complement in-person experiences


 

Accommodation Strategy: 

Offer unique overnight experiences 


Tactics:

  • Glamping sites

  • Treehouse cabins

  • Eco-lodges

Pricing model:

  • Glamping: $150 per night

  • Treehouse cabins: $250 per night

  • Eco-lodges: $350 per night

Implementation:

  • Phase construction to test market demand

  • Partner with eco-friendly construction firms

  • Implement an online booking system with seasonal pricing


 

Corporate Partnerships and Venue Rental Strategy: 

Leverage the unique setting for corporate events and private functions 


Tactics:

  • Team-building packages

  • Conference facilities with a wildlife twist

  • Wedding and unique occasion venue

Pricing model:

  • Team-building: $2,000 for up to 20 people

  • Conference facilities: $5,000 per day

  • Wedding packages: Starting at $10,000

Implementation:

  • Create marketing materials targeting corporate clients

  • Develop all-inclusive packages

  • Train staff in event management


 

Wild Things Miro Board




 
Thank you to our members and participants!

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