JemsPrehistoric Animal Stories Traveling – Preserving Our Regional Treasures (ZOO PAST – PORT)
Priority Axis 4: Cooperating for more sustainable and socially innovative tourism and culture
Operation start date: 15 January 2026
Operation completion date: 14 January 2028
Budget: EUR 939.518,00
Number of partners: 3
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The overall objective of the project is to transform traditional tourism sites into dynamic learning spaces where families can explore the intricate connections between past and present biodiversity through carefully crafted experiences that increase visitor engagement by minimum of 14.000 visitors, while maintaining highest standards of scientific accuracy and animal welfare. This will fundamentally change how the region’s natural heritage is presented and appreciated, creating new opportunities for sustainable tourism development. The cross-border approach is essential because evolutionary processes transcend modern political boundaries – the Pannonian region’s geological and biological heritage developed as interconnected ecosystem that can only be properly understood through cooperation between institutions in both countries. The project’s originality lies in its innovative fusion of museum and zoo interpretation approaches, creating unique “time travel” experience that helps families understand complex scientific concepts through direct interaction with both artifacts and living animals. This is first time in the region that prehistoric collections and living species are connected through carefully crafted evolutionary narrative supported by digital tools. The project also introduces new model of family-oriented science tourism that encourages exploration of both cultural and natural heritage sites while promoting scientific literacy and environmental awareness among younger generations.
Beneficiaries:
Unikom llc (HR) as Lead Partner will ensure efficient project implementation through roles of overall project coordination and specific operational activities. Project Management Responsibilities:
– Development and implementation of modern hippopotamus enclosure incorporating evolutionary interpretation elements (150² facility with educational zone)
– Thematic route development connecting partner locations
– Creation of 3 specialized interpretation points connecting prehistoric and living species
– Installation of digital interpretation infrastructure including interactive displays
– Implementation of accessibility improvements including tactile elements and wheelchair-friendly paths.
ZOO Palić (RS) will play vital role in the project by leading tourism product development and contributing significant expertise in sustainable tourism practices and guide the transformation of scientific content into compelling visitor experiences that encourage cross-border exploration. Zoo Palić will coordinate the creation of innovative tourism offerings that connect all partner locations through evolutionary narrative. Their expertise in sustainable tourism practices will ensure that new products balance visitor engagement with heritage preservation. Throughout all these activities, Zoo Palić will maintain focus on connecting scientific accuracy with visitor engagement, ensuring that tourism products deliver both educational value and memorable experiences. Their contribution will be essential in achieving project’s goal of making complex evolutionary concepts accessible and engaging for diverse audiences while supporting sustainable tourism development in the region.
Ilok Town Museum (HR) will serve as the scientific anchor for ZOO PAST-PORT, taking lead role in developing the comprehensive evolution interpretation framework that connects prehistoric findings with living species across partner institutions. The museum’s curatorial team will guide the creation of scientifically accurate yet engaging narratives that help visitors understand how regional biodiversity evolved through millions of years.
The museum will transform their exhibition spaces to create innovative interpretation zones serving as starting point for visitors’ evolutionary journey through time. These enhanced spaces will showcase prehistoric evidence of species development while creating clear connections to modern animals at partner zoos. Curatorial partner team will work closely with zoo educators to develop evolutionary timelines and adaptation stories that connect prehistoric species with their modern descendants, ensuring all interpretation materials maintain highest standards while remaining accessible for family audiences.The museum will also develop innovative approaches to presenting prehistoric evidence to young children through age-appropriate activities.
The museum’s contribution extends to development of digital interpretation platform, where their expertise will help create engaging virtual experiences. They will guide creation of interactive evolutionary trees and virtual tours that help visitors understand connections between prehistoric findings and living species, ensuring digital content maintains high scientific standards while engaging modern audiences through innovative presentation methods.